The lineup for this year’s Venice Film Festival is not as big as in recent years and creative director Alberto Barbera thinks this will make for a better experience for viewers and the jury. Sixty films, including 50 world premieres, will be shown at the festival, from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.
The final selections for the 69th annual edition were made from more than 1,400 feature films and 1,700 short films previewed.
Brian De Palma’s thriller Passion and Terrence Malick’s “To the Wonder are among the 18 movies that will compete for the Venice Film Festival’s Golden Lion award this year but of course I’m interested in the Italians and three will premier and compete – and I’ll be there!
In Bella Addormentata, from Marco Bellocchio, it’s the last 6 days of the life of Eluana Englaro, who has spent 17 years in a coma. Around her (in her dreams or in reality, I’m not sure from what I’m reading) various characters examine the meaning of their lives. Bella Addormentata stars Isabelle Huppert, Alba Rohrwacher, Maya Sansa, and Toni Servillo.
Bellocchio won last years lifetime achievement award and is on his 5th decade of filmmaking.
È Stato Il Figlio (It was the son) from Daniele Cipri is based on a book written by Roberto Alajmo about the CIrcualo family. When their young daughter, Serenella, is killed by a Mafia bomb in Palermo, the family uses the government compensation to buy a big, new car. The car isn’t just a car; it becomes a symbol of social redemption for the family. È Stato Il Figlio stars Toni Servillo, Giselda Volodi and Alfredo Castro
Cipri has done a lot of cinematography for Bellocchio, and won the Nastro d’argento for his work on Bellocchio’s Vincere.
In Un Giorno Speciale (A special day) from Francesca Comencini it’s the first day of work for Gina and Marco. Gina has an appointment with an important politician that could help her get a good start in her career and he’s her driver, taking her to the meeting. All that they have in common is their youth, and this “special day”. Un Giorno Speciale stars Filippo Scicchitano and Giulia Valentini.
Francesca, Cristina Comencini’s sister, will travel to Venice and try to restore the family name after Cristina’s disaster last year with Quando La Notte. (The audience booed.)
I Love Italian Everything 