Contacts
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
80th edition of the
INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
also known as the Venice Film Festival
HISTORY
The Venice Film Festival was conceived in 1932 by Count Giuseppe Volpi di Misurata, then Director General of the Venice Biennale. The initial aim was to create an international platform for the presentation and promotion of cinema as an art form. The first edition was held in 1932 in the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido. From the very beginning, the festival was characterised by its openness to works from all over the world, in contrast to other, more national festivals.
Throughout its long history, the Venice Film Festival has experienced iconic moments that have remained etched in the collective memory. Films such as Federico Fellini’s ‘La dolce vita’ and Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Apocalypse Now’ made their first appearance here, earning significant awards. The most famous actors and actresses have walked the Venetian red carpet, helping to make the event an important milestone in the film industry’s calendar.
The festival is a celebration of the art of filmmaking in all its facets. From directing to acting, from screenwriting to photography, the event honours the talent and dedication of those who work behind and in front of the camera. With eighty years of history, this festival has contributed significantly to the promotion and enhancement of cinema as an art form and means of cultural expression.
EDITION 2023
Actress Caterina Murino is the godmother of this edition, who just yesterday presented the opening night. Twenty-six titles are competing for the Golden Lion, including six Italian proposals; the most eagerly awaited is ‘Maestro’ directed by and starring Bradley Cooper. The film has been at the centre of controversy in recent weeks because of the actor’s choice to use a fake nose to play composer Leonard Bernstein.
Among the various celebrities on the Red Carpet will be the charming Sofia Coppola, the eclectic Woody Allen, the Italian Pierfrancesco Favino and many other stars.
Among the most eagerly awaited and exclusive parties is Giorgio Armani’s One Night Only Venezia, which will celebrate cinema with a tribute to the city. The evening, which includes a party and a fashion show of the Privé haute couture line, will be held on Saturday 2 September in the fascinating setting of the Arsenale.
