What Is the Venice Film Festival?
The Venice Film Festival (officially the Venice International Film Festival) is the world’s oldest film festival and one of the “Big Five” international film festivals globally, alongside Cannes and Berlin. Held annually in late August and early September, it is a key event for cinema professionals, press, and film enthusiasts, offering world premieres of highly anticipated films, often launching them toward Oscar consideration. The top prize is the prestigious Golden Lion (Leone d’Oro) for the Best Film.
History of the Venice International Film Festival
The Venice International Film Festival was founded in 1932 as part of the Venice Biennale, a major cultural institution in Italy focusing on art, architecture, music, dance, and theatre. Its very first screening was Rouben Mamoulian’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Originally held on the terrace of the Hotel Excelsior, the festival quickly established itself as a major cinematic event. Despite interruptions during World War II, it was formally accredited by FIAPF in 1951 and has continuously grown in prestige, celebrating artistic freedom and showcasing global cinema. It is a vital platform for both established auteurs and emerging talent.
Where Is the Venice Film Festival Held?
Is primarily held on the Lido di Venezia, a narrow barrier island that separates the Venetian Lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. The main venue is the Palazzo del Cinema, which houses the Sala Grande, the grand screening room for many of the red-carpet premieres.
The Venice Film Festival location makes it unique: stars arrive by sleek water taxi, docking at the Excelsior Hotel dock before making their way to the cinema complex. The entire Lido transforms during the event, becoming a hub of screenings, press conferences, and exclusive parties.
The Red Carpet: Stars & Glamour in Venice
The red carpet is famed for its unique blend of Old Hollywood glamour and contemporary style. Unlike other festivals, the celebrity entrance is preceded by a boat arrival, adding a spectacular Venetian flair to the proceedings. The sight of international stars, directors, and filmmakers making their entrance in front of the Palazzo del Cinema attracts thousands of fans and international press. It is a key highlight, providing an essential moment of publicity for the premiered films.
How to Attend the Venice Film Festival
You don’t need to be a celebrity or an industry professional to attend the Film Festival in Venice. Screenings are accessible to the public!
- Public Tickets: Most films are screened multiple times. Public tickets for individual screenings typically go on sale online via the official La Biennale di Venezia website around mid-to-late August. Popular premieres, especially those in the Sala Grande, sell out quickly and are generally more expensive.
- Accreditation: Film industry members, press, and students can apply for professional accreditations, offering access to dedicated screenings and venues.
- Location Note: Since the festival is held at the Lido di Venezia, plan your accommodation and water bus (vaporetto) travel in advance.
Iconic Films Premiered at the Venice Film Festival
The Venice Film Festival has launched countless seminal works. Many films that first premiered here went on to global acclaim and Academy Award success. Iconic examples include:
- Rashomon (Akira Kurosawa, 1951 – Golden Lion)
- Ivan’s Childhood (Andrei Tarkovsky, 1962 – Golden Lion)
- Brokeback Mountain (Ang Lee, 2005 – Golden Lion)
- Gravity (Alfonso Cuarón, 2013 – Opened the Festival)
- Birdman (Alejandro G. Iñárritu, 2014)
- La La Land (Damien Chazelle, 2016 – Opened the Festival)
- The Shape of Water (Guillermo del Toro, 2017 – Golden Lion)
- Joker (Todd Phillips, 2019 – Golden Lion)
Attending this cinematic event offers a unique opportunity to witness film history being made against the unforgettable backdrop of Venice, Italy.