81st Venice Film Festival Opens August 28

The 81st Venice Film Festival, the oldest international film festival, commenced on August 28, 2024, with a star-studded lineup and the world premiere of Tim Burton's sequel 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice'. The festival will showcase 21 films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion, including 'Joker: Folie à Deux' starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, and Pablo Larraín’s 'Maria'. Alberto Barbera, the festival director, expressed excitement for a vibrant red carpet experience following a subdued event last year due to strikes in Hollywood. The pre-opening highlight was a restored version of 'L’oro di Napoli', celebrating its 70th anniversary and honoring the late director Vittorio De Sica. This year's jury is chaired by Isabelle Huppert and includes notable international filmmakers. The festival runs until September 7, culminating in the awards ceremony.