History of the Festival
The Venice Film Festival is one of the oldest in the world. For the first time the viewing of paintings was arranged on the initiative of Benito Mussolini himself in 1932. The main organizer was Giuseppe di Volpi Misurata. The event immediately became an entertainment for the local elite: on the terrace of the Excelsior hotel a screen was installed, and after the reception a luxurious reception was arranged. Today the competition is held on the island of Lido. A landmark place, it was there, from the end of the 19th century, the Biennale was held, where works of various kinds of art were demonstrated.
Venetian Film Festival in Faces
If you really love art, then these people should know by sight. In the last 8 years, the festival was directed by Marco Muller, but in 2015 he was replaced by the former head of the Turin Film Museum, Alberto Barbera. He already held this post in 1998, but, unfortunately, failed to work with the then Minister of Culture.
The jury of the 2015 contest will be headed by Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron. His "Gravitation" was awarded two "Oscars", and the films "And Your Mom," and "Child of Man" were awarded at a festival in Venice.
Participants of the film festival
To participate in the festival are selected full-length films that were not previously submitted to the public and did not participate in other cinematographic competitions. A specially created commission consisting of the director of the competition, experts and foreign consultants selects suitable pictures. Usually they do not happen more than 20. Before the official press conference, the list of selected paintings is kept in the strictest secrecy.
Participants of the 72nd Venice International Film Festival 2015 will be announced at a press conference in late July or early August. Their list you can see on the official website of Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica: http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/72nd-festival/
Prizes of the Venice Film Festival
World renown received the main prize of the festival - "Golden Lion St. Mark". He is awarded for the best film. The winged lion was chosen not by chance. It is the emblem of the city of canals, and since the 1980s and the Venice Film Festival.
In addition to the main prize there is the Silver Lion. He is awarded for the best work of the director.
"Cup Volpi" is intended for the best male and female performers. The most interesting is that the film that received the "Golden Lion" can not claim the "Volpi Cup".
One of the most charismatic actors of Italian cinema is Marcello Mastroianni. It was he who was awarded the award given to promising young film actors.
Technical advantages of the tape are awarded by the Orsello award.
In 2007, a new nomination, corresponding to the spirit of the times, appeared. "Blue Lion" is awarded to films that cover the subject of homosexuality. Another innovation - a special nomination for 3D movies.
Who is the nicest in the world?
The Venetian Film Festival among its brethren stands out for its elitism. He collects not only the most talented, but also the most stylish representatives of bohemia. On the red carpet in front of the Palazzo del Cinéma are ladies in luxurious outfits and their elegant companions.
In the past, in 2014, the true Italian chic was demonstrated by Bianca Balti. She was wearing a black dress with huge red flowers from Dolce & Gabbana, complemented by an image of a bright make-up and a high hairstyle.
The wife of Andrei Konchalovsky, who, incidentally, received the Silver Lion, chose a long black dress. It would be boring, if not for a luxurious deep neckline.
No less beautiful were Kirsten Dunst and Charlotte Gainsbourg, Emma Stone and Mila Jovovich. It remains to be seen what kind of images our stars will please us this year. The stylishest always choose the audience.
How to arrive at the Venetian Festival?
If you are inspired by star images and dream to see new products for the film distribution, then be sure to visit the Venice Film Festival. The most important thing is to book a hotel in advance, because most places have already been reserved for actors and directors.
You can find accommodation in the private sector. Simple Venetians will gladly host you. To the island of Lido from the Venice train station there are regular vaporetto 5.1 and 5.2, from the central square - routes 1, 2 and 6. From the airport of Marco Pola a special water express is sent.
What is worth seeing?
It is believed that the Venetian Festival is much more accessible than its Cannes colleague. Competitive tapes are shown on several platforms: in the Small and Large halls of Palazzo del Cinéma, the halls of Darsena and the Palace of the Casino. In cinemas Astra, Pala Galileo you can watch films that go beyond the competition. The program can be found on the official website of the event: http://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/72nd-festival/, and tickets can be purchased through the Internet or found at the ticket offices of Lido Island.
Unfortunately, for the solemn events of opening and closing the "mere mortals" the entrance is closed. To get there, you will need a special invitation.
The atmosphere in the Village is absolutely unique. This is a permanent holiday. Day and night, there are cafes, restaurants and a casino. In small boutiques and shops you can meet the stars of the first magnitude.
The island of Lido is famous for its wonderful churches, for example, the church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, in which the relics of the saint were kept. By prior request you can see the ancient Jewish cemetery.
After visiting the cinemas and walking around the city, go to the beach. They are very clean, and the sea is always calm and turquoise.
What is interesting about the Venice Film Festival?
The official website of the festival says that the main goal of the competition is to draw attention to the works of European and American cinema art. The main values are the atmosphere of freedom and the possibility of an open dialogue. The presentation of retrospective films is organized in order for the mass spectator to better understand the history of the cinema.
The Venice Film Festival introduces fashion to certain films, and its laureates are becoming world famous. In different years the Golden Lion was given the "Hamlet" by Lawrence Olivier (1948), "Last year in Marienbad" (Alain Rene, 1961), "Ivan's Childhood" by Andrei Tarkovsky (1962), "The Day Beauty" by Luis Buñuel (1967) . In 2014 the "Silver Lion" received the Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky for his work "White Nights of the Postman Alexei Tryapitsyn."
The cultural community of the whole world is looking forward to the end of July, when a list of entries will be announced at the official press conference. Which films the jury chooses, who will be the winner, time will tell, for the sake of interest you can make your own rating and see if your opinion coincides with the jury's point of view.
Video (award ceremony):