THE 81ST VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL, FROM AUGUST 28 TO SEPTEMBER 7, 2024, WILL FEATURE A DIVERSE LINEUP OF MUCH-ANTICIPATED FILM PREMIERES, ALONGSIDE INNOVATIVE IMMERSIVE MEDIA EXPERIENCES IN VENICE IMMERSIVE. THE FESTIVAL WILL ALSO HOST AN EXCITING LIST OF EXCLUSIVE EVENTS, INCLUDING THE AMFAR GALA
The 81st Venice International Film Festival, set against the picturesque backdrop of the Lido di Venezia, is gearing up to be a spectacular convergence of cinematic brilliance and couture flair. Running from August 28 to September 7, 2024, the festival will feature a rich lineup of film premieres, star-studded red carpets, and fashion moments that are sure to engage the world’s attention.
This year’s festival opens with the world premiere of Tim Burton’s much-anticipated sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The film will see Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O’Hara reprise their iconic roles, joined by a stellar new cast including Monica Bellucci and Willem Dafoe. Notably, Dafoe will also take on a new role as the artistic director of the theater department for the Venice Biennale starting in 2025.
Adding to the buzz at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, Brad Pitt and George Clooney are expected to make high-profile appearances for the out-of-competition film Wolfs, directed by Jon Watts. This film has already garnered considerable attention, partly due to the star-studded cast and the behind-the-scenes involvement of Pitt as a key figure in its production. Pitt’s role in Wolfs is significant, and his presence at the festival is anticipated to draw considerable media attention and fanfare. Clooney’s involvement only adds to the excitement, promising a dynamic and starry showcase at the festival.
In another spotlight moment, Angelina Jolie will be in the limelight with her role in Maria, a biopic directed by Pablo Larraín. The film focuses on the tumultuous final years of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with Jolie portraying the iconic diva. Jolie’s participation underscores the festival’s tradition of featuring powerful and transformative performances, and her portrayal of Callas is expected to be a highlight of the festival. Larraín, known for his critically acclaimed films like Jackie and Spencer, brings his signature touch to this biographical drama, promising a nuanced and compelling depiction of Callas’s complex life and career.
The competition at the 81st Venice International Film Festival is shaping up to be intense, with one of the most eagerly awaited films being Joker: Folie À Deux. This sequel to the critically acclaimed Joker, directed by Todd Phillips, is set to make its grand debut, bringing with it a wave of high expectations and excitement.
The film sees the return of Joaquin Phoenix in his Oscar-winning role as Arthur Fleck, the troubled comedian who transforms into the iconic Joker. Phoenix’s performance in the original Joker garnered widespread acclaim and numerous accolades, including the Academy Award for Best Actor. In this sequel, he is expected to delve even deeper into the complexities of his character, offering a new dimension to the dark and unsettling narrative that captivated audiences in the first film.
Joining Phoenix is Lady Gaga, who makes her debut as Harley Quinn, a character whose involvement is anticipated to be both pivotal and captivating. Gaga’s casting has already stirred considerable buzz, not just for her acting prowess but also for her potential to create another memorable fashion moment. Her appearance at the Venice Film Festival is expected to echo the dramatic impact of her 2018 red carpet look, when she stunned in a Valentino haute couture gown at the premiere of A Star Is Born. Fashion aficionados and fans alike are eager to see what statement-making outfit Gaga will choose for the Joker: Folie À Deux premiere, anticipating that her red carpet presence will be as unforgettable as her performance.
Pedro Almodóvar’s English-language debut, The Room Next Door,, is set to be one of the standout films of the 81st Venice International Film Festival. Known for his vibrant storytelling and deep emotional narratives, Almodóvar brings his unique vision to the English-speaking world with this highly anticipated film. The Room Next Door features powerhouse performances from Oscar-winning actresses Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, who take on lead roles in what promises to be a compelling drama.
The film explores themes of intimacy, identity, and personal transformation, central to Almodóvar’s cinematic style. It delves into the intricate dynamics of human relationships through a poignant and visually striking narrative. With its sophisticated screenplay and rich character development.
Luca Guadagnino’s Queer is generating significant buzz as one of the most anticipated films of the 81st Venice International Film Festival. Known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged storytelling, Guadagnino brings a fresh narrative to the screen with this new project, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1940s Mexico City.
Queer stars Daniel Craig in a role that marks a dramatic departure from his iconic portrayal of James Bond. In this film, Craig takes on the role of an American expatriate navigating the complexities of love and identity in a foreign land. This character represents a profound shift for Craig, showcasing his versatility as an actor and allowing him to explore themes far removed from the high-octane action of his previous roles.
The film delves deeply into themes of personal and social identity, exploring the intersections of love, sexuality, and cultural displacement. Guadagnino’s direction promises a sensitive and intimate portrayal of these themes, utilizing the rich historical and cultural milieu of 1940s Mexico City to add depth and texture to the narrative. The setting itself becomes a character, with the city’s vibrant culture and turbulent history providing a poignant backdrop for the film’s exploration of its central themes.
With Guadagnino’s track record of acclaimed works like Call Me by Your Name and Suspiria, Queer is expected to continue his tradition of visually arresting and thought-provoking cinema. The film’s exploration of identity and love, combined with Craig’s transformative performance, positions it as a significant contender for critical acclaim and festival awards. As such, it is poised to be a highlight of the Venice Film Festival, captivating audiences with its compelling narrative and evocative portrayal of a richly textured historical setting.
FASHION MOMENTS AND RED CARPET GLAMOUR
The Venice Film Festival is as renowned for its fashion as it is for its films. Lady Gaga, known for her dramatic fashion choices, is expected to make headlines once again. Her appearance at the festival will be closely watched, with speculation around whether she will don a design from Valentino or another haute couture house.
Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton, both known for their distinctive style, are also anticipated to deliver standout looks. Moore’s affinity for Bottega Veneta and Swinton’s penchant for Chanel could set new trends on the red carpet. Similarly, Daniel Craig’s involvement with Loewe suggests that the brand might feature prominently during the festival.
JURY AND AWARDS
French actress Isabelle Huppert will chair the International Jury, responsible for awarding the coveted Golden Lion for Best Film. The jury includes directors James Gray and Andrew Haigh, and actress Zhang Ziyi, among others. The festival will also honor two Lifetime Achievement Golden Lions, awarded to Australian director Peter Weir and American actress Sigourney Weaver.
IMMERSIVE MEDIA
Alongside the traditional screenings, the Venice Immersive edition will focus on cutting-edge immersive media, hosted on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio. This segment underscores the festival’s commitment to exploring new forms of artistic expression and will present a curated selection of innovative projects that push the boundaries of narrative and technology. These include VR installations allowing the audiences an opportunity to step inside cinematic worlds and experience stories from unique perspectives. Attendees can expect to encounter interactive environments where they can influence the outcome of a narrative or engage with digital characters in new and meaningful ways.
EXCLUSIVE EVENTS
In parallel to the main film screenings, the 81st edition of the Venice International Film Festival features a series of exclusive events each year, bringing together a unique blend of fashion, culture, and tradition. Check out the events list:
August 27:
- Variety Opening Cocktail Party at Hotel Danieli (Theme: “Fantaisie”)
August 30:
- Campari Event at Nicelli Airport
- Cartier Event at Harry’s Bar (Performance by Nicola Piovani)
August 31:
- Giorgio Armani Beauty Party at Arsenale Nord
September 1:
- Filming Italy Venice Award at Hotel Excelsior
- AmfAR Gala at Nicelli Airport
September 2:
- “Dive & Madrine” Exhibition at Hotel Excelsior
- Aston Martin Valhalla Party at Arsenale Nord
- Qatar Gala at Palazzo Cavalli Franchetti (Organized by Princess Sheikha Al-Mayassa)
- Biennale College Party on the island of San Servolo
September 3:
- Diva e Donna Party at Sina Centurion Palace
- Vanity Fair Party at Palazzina Grassi
September 5:
- Ciak Night at Hotel Gritti
September 6:
- New Imaie Party at Terrazza Biennale
Guest lists and tickets are available for some of these events; please contact events@babble-up.com for more information. Furthermore, you can join the special two-day event organized by Green17 Partners and Babble-Up at Palazzo Donà dalle Rose on September 3.
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