The Venice Biennale turns seventy this year. With the fest a month away the organizers announced the nineteen films that will be a part of the official selection. They include, "Gravity" with George Clooney and Sandra Bullock, which will open the festivities on August 28. Titles like "Tom à la ferme" by Xavier Dolan, "Ana Arabia" by Amos Gitai, "Child of God" by James Franco, "the Zero Theorem" ... more >
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[2012] VENICE MOSTRA | Kurosawa leads the way
A lukewarm start in Venice
Stormy skies have threatened to overflow the lagoon and the part of this year’s Selection that’s already been screened is stoking an enthusiasm that’s mitigated. It’s near the end of the festival and this 69th edition of the Venice Film Festival is still struggling to gain traction and also get in step with the bold ambitions of its new artistic director, Alberto Barbera. And yet this year’s ... more >
WAR! IRAN to boycott Venice Film Festival
Sanctions weigh heavily on Iranian censors' minds
Iran may boycott the Venice Biennale because of sanctions imposed on its oil and economy and the fact that--horror!-- the European Union is applying pressure on this country to abandon its nuclear program. "Taking into account the fact that the E.U. has imposed the highest inhuman and illegal sanctions against Iran, we're naturally thinking of boycotting the Venice Film Festival," said Alireza ... more >
News from Venice
Watch this space as we post updates from the Venice Mostra. Our own A.J. Goldmann is at the Lido covering all the screenings. Meanwhile check out our sidebar trailer for the latest press conference footage, courtesy of the Mostra Youtube Channel. ... more >
Catherine Deneuve
A legend at my lunch table
I caught up with legendary French actress Catherine Deneuve at the Cannes Festival to discuss the animated film "Persepolis" currently showing in competition. We also talked about how the festival compares to others, and what is her own favorite film out of her long career in cinema. Screen Comment - will you be in Cannes for the week? Catherine Deneuve - I never stay long. When you’re in ... more >