Valentina’s Destinations Presents: Highlights from the 79th Venice Film Festival
The prestigious 79th Venice Film Festival kicked off in grand style with Catherine Deneuve, the esteemed guest of honor, inaugurating the event on Wednesday evening. A delightful surprise came in the form of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s presence, albeit through a heartfelt video message, urging the film industry not to forget the ongoing war in Ukraine that has lasted far longer than any movie, spanning 189 days. As a poignant tribute, the names of all the children and teenagers lost in the war were displayed against a solemn black backdrop.
The festival commenced with the official screening of “White Noise,” an adaptation of Don DeLillo’s novel, directed by New Yorker Noah Baumbach. This opening film set the tone for the thrilling competition ahead, with 23 feature films vying for the coveted Golden Lion, to be awarded on September 10. Esteemed actress Julianne Moore, who triumphed at the Venice Film Festival two decades ago, will preside over the jury.
During the press conference preceding the opening ceremony, Catherine Deneuve dispelled any notions of retirement, revealing her involvement in two exciting new projects. Embracing her age of 78, the iconic French star expressed her contentment with the European film industry, stating that attitudes towards age have evolved significantly, offering better opportunities for older actresses.
This year’s edition is brimming with star power, as luminaries such as Cate Blanchett, Penélope Cruz, and Ana de Armas, portraying Marilyn Monroe in an upcoming Netflix production, are expected to grace the festival with their presence.
Adding to the excitement, the Romanian director Mihai Mincan will premiere his debut feature film, “Up North,” in the “Venice Orizzonti” section, dedicated to films that push artistic boundaries and introduce new cinematic aesthetics.
Valentina’s Destinations invites you to delve into the enchanting world of the 79th Venice Film Festival, where cinematic brilliance and artistic expression converge.
