Venice 80, a film festival dedicated to Italy

Despite the news of the recall of Luca Guadagnino’s film The Pretenders with famous actress Zendaya, an apology letter from Amazon-MGM, which was supposed to open the 80th Venice Film Festival, and despite the strike of authors and actors who influenced the American film industry, despite the individuality and many “buts”, the festival proved to be sustainable.

During the launch conference, artistic director Alberto Barbera described the impact of the absence as “very modest”, hoping that despite the absence of many stars, the red carpet at the Lido will continue to shine. Selected American films are independent and enjoy union exemption, as do some actors, with a few exceptions.

Very rarely does Venice aim directly at Italy with at least six films in a 23-title competition: Comandante by Edoardo de Angelis, Io Capitano by Matteo Garrone, Ljubo by Giorgio Wrights, Dawn at Last by Saverio Costanzo and Aeneas » Pietro Castellitto.

The festival strives to remain international, representing as many as 54 different nationalities. Barbera dismisses the controversy, arguing that excluding either country would be a painful choice. “To give up some of them would be a painful choice, they are very different from each other, all bold from many points of view, including costs such as 28 million euros for Costanzo, 16-17 million euros for the Comandante and not least because all big festivals, starting from Cannes, they support their national films,” he said.

However, there is controversy with Woody Allen’s “Accidental Impact” and Roman Polanski’s “Palace” respectively, both unrivaled. They also add “Dogma” by Luc Besson. In fact, three directors were accused of sexual harassment and brought to trial. But Barbera, he told ANSA, replies: “I am on the side of those who distinguish between the duties of a man and an artist, and Polanski, who cannot come to avoid the risk of extradition, is a recognized master. Allen, on the other hand, will be there, acquitted twice, and Besson never got to trial.”

Meanwhile, Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro” and Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” are eagerly awaited, which certainly promises strong emotions.