Venice Film Festival
The Venice International Film Festival is the oldest film festival in the world and represents an unmissable event for both those who love auteur cinema and those who want to experience the magic of Venice during one of its most glamorous and vibrant times.
Every year, between the end of August and the beginning of September, Venice becomes the center of the international film world, welcoming directors, actors, critics, journalists, and enthusiasts from all over the world.
The festival is part of the Venice Biennale, a cultural institution founded in 1895. Besides cinema, the Biennale includes events related to art, architecture, theater, dance, and music. During the festival, you can visit international pavilions and artistic installations scattered throughout the city.
Where the Venice Film Festival Takes Place
The heart of the event is Venice Lido, a thin 12-kilometer-long island that separates the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea. Here you’ll find the Palace of Cinema and the Palace of the Casino, historic venues for official screenings and the opening and closing ceremonies.
During the festival, the Lido transforms: the promenade fills with red carpets, photographers, autograph seekers, and fans hoping to spot a celebrity. Iconic hotels like the Excelsior or Des Bains host exclusive events, press conferences, and after-parties.
But the festival doesn’t stay confined to the Lido: all over Venice, you can attend parallel screenings, meetings, and exhibitions at museums, historical palaces, and cultural institutions throughout the city.
Festival Sections: Competition and Experimentation
The festival presents a rich selection of films every year, divided into several sections:
- Venezia 81 (Official Competition): films competing for the Golden Lion.
- Out of Competition: notable works shown without competition.
- Horizons: innovative languages and experimental cinema.
- Days of Authors and Critics’ Week: focus on independent cinema.
Each screening is an opportunity to discover world premieres, meet directors and actors, and be surprised by stories and visions from all over the world.
How to Participate: Tickets and Useful Information
The Venice Film Festival isn’t just for professionals. Visitors can also access screenings by purchasing tickets, available online through the official Biennale website or at ticket booths at the Lido.
Useful Tips for Attending:
- Book tickets in advance, especially for the most anticipated films.
- Some screenings are reserved, but many are open to the public.
- Passes and multi-entry tickets are available.
In addition to screenings, you can participate in side events, exhibitions, conferences, and meetings with directors and critics.
The Stars and the Red Carpet
One of the most spectacular aspects of the festival is the red carpet. The walkways in front of the Palace of Cinema welcome the biggest stars of international cinema every day. Actors, directors, models, and celebrities parade between flashes from photographers and applause from the audience.
Every evening, hundreds of people gather behind barriers to admire the stars up close, take photos, and ask for autographs. It’s one of the most thrilling and accessible experiences at the festival.
Why Visit Venice During the Film Festival
Visiting Venice during the festival means discovering a lively, elegant, cosmopolitan city. The atmosphere is more international, the locals are more animated, and cultural events multiply.
It’s the perfect time to:
- Attend screenings and world premieres.
- Discover exhibitions and events throughout the city.
- Take a gondola ride at sunset after the cinema.
- Enjoy an aperitif on the Grand Canal with a sunset view.
How to Reach Venice Lido
The Lido is easily reachable by ACTV water buses from the main Venice stops (Piazzale Roma, Ferrovia, San Zaccaria). The most frequent lines are 1, 5.1, 5.2, and 6. Alternatively, water taxis or private motorboats can be used. Once at the Lido, the festival venues are just a few minutes’ walk away.
