The Golden Lion of the Venice Film Festival

The gates of the film world are flooded.

After a hard couple of years due to the pandemic, the 7th Art is finally experiencing the resurgence it deserves. From summer blockbusters to arthouse films set in medieval times, we can assert we are slowly getting back on track.

But what is Cinema without the savory garnish of its penultimate celebration, film festivals?

Recently the world was on a date with the lavish Cannes Film Festival and its exquisite palette of carefully selected films and now, as Summer closes down and Fall brings a tidal wave of change and warm colors, we will experience the charming elegance of the 78th the Venice Film Festival.

This year's edition takes place between 1-11 September, with stars and filmmakers engulfed in the gorgeous Italian scenery, as films play on large screens and watched collectively, as they should be, whilst competing for the Biennale's 'Golden Lion.'

The official competition's jury will be headed by South Korean director Bong Joon-Ho (Parasite, Memories of Murder) and Chloe Zhao (Nomadland) both the back-to-back winning directors of the last two Academy Awards, with the former filmmaker also being a Palme d'Or recipient for Parasite in 2019.

Films of Venice

With a coaster of international talents, there is no shortage of exciting new films to be seen both in and out of competition.

Parallel Mothers (in Competition)

Parallel Mothers

The festival's opening film is helmed by Spanish auteur Pedro Almodovar and his muse star Penélope Cruz. The story revolves around two mothers who share a uniquely tragic experience, exploring family dynamics and womanhood.

The Power of the Dog (in Competition)

The Power of the Dog

Jane Campion returns to the realm of filmmaking with her latest film starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Jesse Plemons, and Kirsten Dunst. A western with a poetic twist, expectations for the film's critical reception have been particularly high.

The Hand of God (in Competition)

The Hand of God

Italian maverick Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, The Young Pope) weaves a passionate coming-of-age tale about an eccentric teenager growing in Naples. With his Felliniesque camera and passion for all things football and cinema, the film already reads like the filmmaker's intimate confession.

Dune (Out of Competition)

Venice Film Festival 2021: Let the Screenings Begin

Frank Herbert's sprawling sci-fi classic Dune has been adapted -or failed to be adapted- by legendary filmmakers such as David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorowsky, to mixed results. But could the third time be the charm? Director Denis Villeneuve (Incendies, Arrival) offers us a new reverential take of massive proportions, transporting us to civilizations and planets unknown with an A-list cast consisting of Javier Bardem, Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Dave Bautista, and many others.

Spencer (in Competition)

Kristen Stewart as Lady Diana

A new Lady Diana biopic starring Kristen Stewart? What might seem like an outrageous idea at first might turn out to be a pleasant surprise as the film is helmed by Chilean auteur Pablo Larraín (Jackie), offering us a highly lush and intimate retelling of one particular Christmas in the iconic princess' life.

Last Night in Soho (Out of Competition)

Last Night in Soho

Edgar Wright (Baby Driver, Hot Fuzz) directs a time-traveling thriller starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Matt Smith, Thomasin McKenzie, and a load of neon lights and 1960s eye-popping fashion. Do we need to say more?

The Card Counter (in Competition)

The Card Counter

Paul Schrader, the screenwriter, and director behind classics such as Taxi Driver and First Reformed, returns with a bold thriller about a former serviceman (Oscar Isaac) who turns to gambling only to be haunted by his mysterious past. Executive produced by Martin Scorsese.

The Last Duel (Out of Competition)

The Last Duel

Ever wondered about the last legally sanctioned duel in France's history? Well, zestful filmmaker Ridley Scott has got this covered: The film is a retelling of this very occurrence, starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, and Ben Affleck, based on a book by Eric Jager.

The Lost Daughter (in Competition)

The Lost Daughter

Hollywood actress Maggie Gyllenhaal makes her directorial debut with her adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s novel, telling the story of a mother going through motions of unique change. Starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson.

Halloween Kills (Out of Competition)

Halloween Kills

A continuation of the cult classic horror franchise Halloween, this entry sees Laurie Strode, always played by Jamie Lee Curtis, challenging brutal killer Michael Myers in another tale of brutal survival and horrific death. Directed by David Gordon Green.