Venice Film Festival: History, curiosities and tickets

If you're in Venice these days and you can't get over the frenzy in the streets, the traffic on the boats, the amount of people watching the world from behind big lenses stealing shots of people you feel you've already seen... it's all normal, or almost normal. 

You have arrived at the time of year that every cinephile has been waiting for: the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious and glamorous film events in the world!
Want to know more about this extraordinary cinematic celebration? Let's open the curtain and discover details and curiosities about this extraordinary event, its most recognisable icons and the awards that make the Venice Lagoon shine.

The Venice Biennale of Cinema: when and how it started

The Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest and most respected film events in the world. Founded in 1932 and inaugurated with the film 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Rouben Mamoulian, this event is a biennial, which means that it is held every two years, alternating with the Cannes Film Festival. 
The Venice Biennale of Cinema or Venice Film Festival has deep roots in the history of the silver screen. It was created as part of the Venice Biennale, a cultural organization that promotes art in all its forms. The idea was to create an event that celebrated cinema as an art form. Over the years, the Venice Biennale of Cinema has grown in terms of prestige and international resonance and now it become art itself.

Why is the Venice Film Festival held in Venice?

The choice of Venice is no coincidence. The city of waters is imbued with beauty and romance, enchanting artists for centuries with its intricate streets, colorful canals and breathtaking architecture. For the occasion, Venice is transformed, becoming a vibrant stage of magic. One of the first changes that takes place in the city is the laying of the famous red carpet. This iconic luxury corridor winds its way through the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, creating a pathway of stars and celebrities. The taxi boats are an essential means of transport during the Biennale. They are decorated for the occasion and used to transport celebrities and filmmakers. The image of these taxi boat darting in the Venetian waters has become an iconic testimony of the festival.

Venice International Film Festival: how it is organized

The Venice Film Festival is a unique showcase of cinematic talent, and understanding how it works is crucial to fully appreciate its importance. Here is how this unique event is organized:

1. Film Selection:

The selection of the participating films is a rigorous process. The artistic director of the festival, together with the selected team of experts, views hundreds of films from all over the world. Only the highest quality and particularly innovative products are chosen to enter the competition. This selection is often guided by criteria such as originality, artistic quality and relevance of the subject matter.

2. Subtitles and translations:

As the festival attracts a wide range of international films, the question of languages is crucial. Non-Italian language films are usually screened with Italian or English subtitles for an universal understanding. This allows the audience and the jury to fully enjoy the works presented, regardless of the original language.

3. Running of the days:

The Festival usually takes place over 11 intense days. Each day features screenings of films in competition, press conferences, meetings with directors and actors, and special occasions for the media and the public. Screenings are held in various locations, including the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido and other iconic venues in the city.

4. Awards and Jury:

The selection of the winners is one of the most exciting parts of the festival. A jury of film experts, often consisting of internationally renowned directors, actors and critics, views the competing films and awards the prizes. The most coveted and iconic prize is certainly the Golden Lion for Best Film, seen by many as the pinnacle of cinematic glory and synonymous with prestige and media visibility. Other awards worth mentioning are: Silver Lion and Special Jury Prize, Coppa Volpi for Best Actor and Actress, Best Director Award, Best Screenplay Award and the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Emerging Young Actor or Actress.

But can you take part in the Venice Film Festival? 

Of course! If you haven't received an invitation, don't worry! All you have to do to attend the Venice Film Festival is buy tickets on sale on the official website. And if you're wondering how much it costs to attend a film screening, find out all the prices here!

The city is ready to welcome filmmakers, artists and film enthusiasts from every country in a unique setting. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Venice during the Venice Film Festival and discover the timeless charm of this city of art and culture! Would you like to take the opportunity to visit this splendid city too? Discover our tours!