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The Venice International Film Festival, officially called Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica, is the world’s oldest film festival. Every year in September you can indulge here in the best of international cinema while rubbing shoulders with silver screen celebrities.
This year’s 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will, as usual, take place on the Lido, the little island next to Venice. With its first edition going back all the way to 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest one in the world and among the “Big Three” alongside the Berlin International Film Festival and the Cannes Film Festival. As part of the Venice Biennale – one of the most prestigious cultural happenings on the planet – the Venice Film Festival’s aim is to put international cinema in the spotlight and to promote it in all its manifestations – as a form of art, as entertainment and as an industry – where freedom and dialogue take centre stage.
During these eleven days of cinema extravaganza film stars and directors from all over the world, whether from big blockbusters or independent films, compete with each other. The highest and most coveted award is the Golden Lion, but competitions also take place in different categories.
This year’s Venice jury is chaired by Isabelle Huppert. The festival will be opened by Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice. Australian director Peter Weir and American actress Sigourney Weaver are set to be honoured with the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the upcoming festival.
Read here all about the Venice Biennale or La Biennale di Venezia.
If you want to see the awards ceremonies and the parade of A-listers posing for pictures, then head to the Palazzo del Cinema with its iconic red carpets. Yet, as the many screenings of films are open to the general public, it’s not unusual to find yourself sitting a few seats away from a major film star.
Apart from its famous competitions, the Venice Film Festival also organises film retrospectives to increase the understanding of the history of cinema, as well as tributes to prominent personalities in the world of film.
If you can’t make it to the festival then take a short time trip through the Venice Film Festival poster art.
Programme of the 2024 Venice International Film Festival
The 2024 programme of the Mostra, as the Venice Film Festival is often nicknamed, wll be found here.
When is the Venice Film Festival 2024?
This year’s 81st edition will take place from 28 August to 7 September. Tickets can be bought here.
Where does the Venice Film Festival 2024 take place
The festival is located on the Lido island in the Venice Lagoon at four major venues – the Palazzo del Cinema, the Palazzo del Casinò, the Palabiennale, the Sala Giardino – as well as at outdoor areas. When you arrive on the Lido, buses will take you to the different venues till late at night. Click here for further details.
Accommodation and hotels in Venice during the Venice Film Festival
Hotel prices on the Lido may be three to four times their normal rates at this time, and are often fully booked long in advance.
For ticketing and more information about the Venice International Film Festival 2024:
Browse the Venice Film Festival official website. All images: Asac – La Biennale di Venezia
