The Venice Film Festival Kicks Off with the Premiere of Paolo Sorrentino's Film "La Grazia"

• The festival will run until September 6, 2025.
• The film "La Grazia" came as a surprise for the organizers.
• At the festival, 21 films are presented in the main competition.

The Venice Film Festival kicks off with the global premiere of Paolo Sorrentino's film "La Grazia" on Wednesday. The 82nd International Festival will last until September 6 and will feature a stellar lineup from Hollywood, including George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne Johnson, as well as renowned directors such as Aki Kaurismäki and Ketrin Bigelow.

The festival will take place on the Lido and will open with a new film from one of the most acclaimed Italian cinematographers. "La Grazia" is shot by Sorrentino’s collaborator, Tonino Servillo, although the plot remains under wraps.

Director of the Venice Festival, Alberto Barbera, stated that the film "La Grazia" was a surprise for them. "This is a different Sorrentino than we are used to seeing," he noted.

Sorrentino, known for his Oscar-winning film "The Great Beauty," debuted at the Venice Film Festival 24 years ago with the film "One Man's Burden." He also received the Silver Lion in 2021 for the film "The Hand of God," which was nominated for an Oscar.

Prior to the film premiere, protesters against the war plan to hold a press conference before the red carpet to draw attention to the situation in Gaza.

"La Grazia" is one of 21 films participating in the festival's main competition. Other films competing for the prestigious Golden Lion include "Frankenstein" by Kaurismäki, "Dynamite Dim" by Bigelow, "Bougainvillea" by Lantimos, "Ruined Machine" by Benny Safdie, and "Hind Rajab" by Kauter Ben Khani.

Tags: Europe/Culture