Leading the Way at the 81st Venice Film Festival
After last year's dip in attendance due to the actor strikes in the U.S., Hollywood is bouncing back with a vengeance at the 81st Venice Film Festival. Running from August 28 to September 7, this year's event promises a star-studded lineup that will undoubtedly light up the Lido.
Spotlight Events
Stars like Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix (49) and Lady Gaga (38) will grace the festival with the world premiere of "Joker: Folie à Deux," and Tim Burton's (66) "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice," which is set to open the festival and is not part of the competition. Conversely, "Babygirl" directed by Halina Reijn (48) stars Nicole Kidman (57) in an erotic drama, ensuring a diverse range of movie buffs will find their favorite genres.
Competition Favorites
Heading into the event, many talented filmmakers are eager to claim top honors with their submissions. Luca Guadagnino (53), the director of "Call Me by Your Name", introduces "Queer" to the roster, while Daniel Craig (56) returns to the screen in the film adaptation of a William S. Burroughs novel. There's also Pedro Almodóvar (74)'s English-language debut, "The Room Next Door," which features Julianne Moore (63) and Tilda Swinton (63) in lead roles.
Out of Competition Shows
While the competition segments catch the headlines, many equally compelling films are vying for attention outside the competition. Superstars George Clooney (63) and Brad Pitt (60) join forces in the crime comedy "Wolfs," directed by Jon Watts (43). Avid film lovers may also be interested in Harmony Korine's (51) "Baby Invasion" and Takeshi Kitano's (77) "Broken Rage."
Beyond Cinema
The biennial international film festival also includes documentaries, series, and installations. This year, Andres Veiel (64)'s "Riefenstahl" becomes available outside the competition, exploring the controversial career of Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003).
Enhancing Perspective
While the highly anticipated world premieres and the return of Hollywood stars make headlines, many independent films and documentaries also hold their own weight in the Venice Film Festival. The festival is more than just a celebration of cinematic silver screens, as it also aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among filmmakers and audiences worldwide.
