UPDATE: Amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, the Venice Film Festival is set to showcase an impressive lineup of marquee directors. While star acting talent may be lacking, festival chief Alberto Barbera revealed that the program had already been finalized before the work stoppage. Only one U.S. film, Challengers, was lost from the lineup. Check out the full list of titles announced this morning below.
All other American movies invited to the festival have been confirmed and will be present. This includes competition titles from Netflix such as Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, Pablo Larrain’s El Conde, and David Fincher’s The Killer. Other notable films include A24’s Priscilla from Sofia Coppola, Searchlight’s Poor Things from Yorgos Lanthimos, Neon’s Ferrari directed by Michael Mann, and Ava DuVernay’s Origin, marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first African American filmmaker to compete.
Notably, Luc Besson returns with his English-language film DogMan, marking his first time behind the camera since 2019. Michel Franco presents Memory, and 2021 Best International Feature Oscar winner Ryusuke Hamaguchi brings the under-the-radar title Evil Does Not Exist to the competition.
The Out of Competition strand features some big names, including Wes Anderson’s Netflix adventure comedy The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, Showtime’s war drama The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial directed by William Friedkin, and Richard Linklater’s action comedy Hit Man.
However, two filmmakers are likely to raise eyebrows. Roman Polanski’s latest film, The Palace, has been invited to the festival, as speculated when Italy’s O1 Distribution announced its release date for September 28. Polanski’s previous film, An Officer and a Spy, also premiered in competition.In 2019, a controversial film premiered at the Venice Film Festival. It was met with both praise and criticism due to the filmmaker’s historic rape conviction and recent sexual assault allegations. Despite the controversy, the movie received positive reviews from critics and even won Venice’s Grand Jury Prize. However, it also sparked walkouts and protests at the César Awards the following year.
Meanwhile, Woody Allen’s latest film, “Coup de Chance,” will also be shown at Venice, although it is not competing. Allen’s reputation in the industry is complicated, as he has been blacklisted by many following allegations of child molestation made by his former partner. Despite the allegations, Allen has continued to work, although some partners, like Amazon Studios, have chosen to end their collaboration with him.
The Venice Film Festival, which runs from August 30 to September 9, is an important event for the industry and a platform for launching award season contenders. However, this year’s festival may have a lower turnout and less celebrity presence due to ongoing strikes by the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA. Studios are understandably hesitant to launch projects without the support of high-profile talent.
Already, one film, “Challengers,” starring Zendaya and directed by Luca Guadagnino, has pulled out of its opening slot and changed its domestic release date due to the labor action. It has been replaced by the Italian WWII movie “Comandante” by Edoardo de Angelis.
There are still several highly anticipated films expected to be announced, including “Ferrari” directed by Michael Mann, “Priscilla” by Sofia Coppola, “Maestro” by Bradley Cooper, and “Poor Things” by Yorgos Lanthimos. There are also rumors that Netflix may bring David Fincher’s “The Killer” to the festival.
The festival will conclude with the world premiere of J.A. Bayona’s Netflix survival thriller “La Sociedad De La Nieve (Society of the Snow)” on September 9. Damien Chazelle is serving as the president of the jury for this year’s edition.
Stay tuned as we update the list of films announced today.
Welcome to Paradise
Directed by Leonardo Di Costanzo, this engaging film takes you on a journey to a paradise you won’t want to leave.
Hollywoodgate
Directed by Ibrahim Nash’at, this non-fiction film uncovers the secrets of Hollywood and its scandals.
Amor
Directed by Virginia Eleuteri Serpieri, this emotional film explores the power of love.
Ryuichi Sakamoto Opus
Directed by Neo Sora, this captivating documentary delves into the life and work of Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Frente a Guernica (Version Integrale)
Directed by Yervant Gianikian and Angela Ricci Lucchi, this thought-provoking film offers a unique perspective on the famous painting.
Enzo Jannacci Vengo Anch’io
Directed by Giorgio Verdelli, this inspiring documentary celebrates the life and music of Enzo Jannacci.
Menus Plaisirs – Les Troisgros
Directed by Frederick Wiseman, this culinary series takes you behind the scenes of the renowned restaurant, Les Troisgros.
D’Argent et de Sang (episodes 1-12)
Directed by Xavier Giannoli and Frederic Planchon, this gripping series explores the dark side of wealth and power.
I Know Your Soul (episodes 1&2)
Directed by Alen Drljevic and Nermin Hamzagic, this thrilling series delves into the depths of the human soul.
La Parte del Leone: Una Storia della Mostra
Directed by Baptiste Etchegary and Guiseppe Bucchi, this special screening offers a fascinating look at the history of the festival.
Bota Jone
Directed by Luana Bajrami, this mesmerizing film takes you on a journey through the dreams and desires of a young girl.
Forever Forever
Directed by Anna Buryachkova, this enchanting film explores the eternal nature of love.
The Rescue
Directed by Daniela Goggi, this heartwarming film tells the story of a daring rescue mission.
In the Land of Saints and Sinners
Directed by Robert Lorenz, this captivating film explores the complexities of morality and redemption.
Day of the Fight
Directed by Jack Huston, this thrilling film takes you into the world of boxing and the determination of one fighter.
Felicita
Directed by Micaela Ramazzotti, this touching film follows the journey of a woman searching for happiness.
Pet Shop Boys
Directed by Olmo Schnabel, this energetic film captures the essence of the iconic music duo.
Stolen
Directed by Karan Tejpal, this gripping film tells the story of a stolen artifact and the quest to recover it.
L’Homme d’Argile
Directed by Anais Tellenne, this thought-provoking film explores the nature of humanity and our connection to the earth.
A Cielo Abierto
Directed by Mariana Arriaga and Santiago Arriaga, this breathtaking film takes you on a journey through the open sky.
El Paraiso
Directed by Enrico Maria Artale, this mesmerizing film transports you to a paradise beyond your wildest dreams.
Behind the Mountains
Directed by Mohamed Ben Attia, this powerful film explores the struggles and resilience of a community living in the mountains.
The Red Suitcase
Directed by Fidel Devkota, this emotional film follows the journey of a red suitcase and the lives it touches along the way.
Tatami
Directed by Guy Nattiv and Zar Amir Ebrahimi, this captivating film explores the world of martial arts and the pursuit of perfection.
Paradise Is Burning
Directed by Mika Gustafson, this thought-provoking film delves into the burning issues of our society and the search for paradise.
The Featherweight
Directed by Robert Kolodny, this inspiring film tells the story of a young boxer’s journey to become a champion.
Invelle
Directed by Simone Massi, this visually stunning film takes you on a poetic journey through the Italian countryside.
Hesitation Wound
Directed by Selman Nacar, this haunting film explores the depths of human emotions and the scars they leave behind.
Heartless
Directed by Nara Normande and Tiao, this beautiful film captures the essence of love and heartbreak.
Una Sterminata Domenica
Directed by Alain Perroni, this heartwarming film follows the lives of a group of friends on a lazy Sunday.
City of Wind
Directed by Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir, this mesmerizing film transports you to a city where the wind holds the secrets of its people.
Explanation for Everything
Directed by Gabor Reisz, this thought-provoking film explores the search for meaning in a chaotic world.
Gasoline Rainbow
Directed by Bill Ross and Turner Ross, this captivating film takes you on a journey through the vibrant world of street racing.
En Attendant la Nuit
Directed by Céline Rouzet, this atmospheric film immerses you in the mysterious world of the night.
Housekeeping for Beginners
Directed by Goran Stolevski, this heartwarming film follows the journey of a young woman learning the art of housekeeping.
Shadow of Fire
Directed by Shinya Tsukamoto, this intense film explores the destructive power of fire and its impact on a community.
Dormitory
Directed by Nehir Tuna, this captivating film takes you inside the walls of a dormitory and the lives of its inhabitants.
Bill Douglas My Best Friend
Directed by Jack Archer, this engaging documentary celebrates the life and work of filmmaker Bill Douglas.
Le Film Pro-Nazi d’Hitchcock
Directed by Daphne Baiwir, this eye-opening documentary explores the controversial pro-Nazi film made by Alfred Hitchcock.
Thank You Very Much
Directed by Alex Braverman, this heartwarming documentary follows the journey of a young musician and his quest for success.
Landrian
Directed by Ernesto Daranas Serrano, this powerful documentary explores the life and legacy of artist Landrian.
Un Altra Italia Era Possibile, Il Cinema Di Guiseppe De Santis
Directed by Stefano Della Casa, this insightful documentary delves into the films of Guiseppe De Santis and their impact on Italian cinema.
Michel Gondry Do It Yourself
Directed by François Nemeta, this creative documentary explores the unique filmmaking style of Michel Gondry.
Ken Jacobs From Orchard Street to the Museum of Modern Art
Directed by Fred Riedel, this fascinating documentary traces the journey of filmmaker Ken Jacobs from his humble beginnings to his recognition at the Museum of Modern Art.
Frank Capra: Mr America
Directed by Matthew Wells, this insightful documentary celebrates the life and work of legendary filmmaker Frank Capra.
Dario Argento Panico
Directed by Simone Scafidi, this thrilling documentary explores the career of horror maestro Dario Argento and his impact on the genre.
