Venice International Film Festival 2024: Celebrating Cinema at the 81st Edition
Venice International Film Festival 2024: Celebrating Cinema at the 81st Edition
The Venice International Film Festival has returned with its 81st edition, presenting a spectacular selection of films that graced the screens at Venice Lido in Italy from 28 August to 7 September 2024. This historic festival, renowned for showcasing the finest in international cinema, has once again brought together filmmakers, actors, and cinephiles in an exciting celebration of diverse storytelling and ground-breaking performances.
In honour of this grand event, we are spotlighting five exceptional films that have been nominated in various categories at the Venice International Film Festival in previous years. These films, rich in narrative and cinematic brilliance, exemplify the artistry and creativity that the Venice International Film Festival is known for.
Belgium
Nominated for Best Film in the Venice Days section at the 2018 Venice International Film Festival, Keep Going, directed by the acclaimed Belgian writer-director Joachim Lafosse, is an emotional journey that delves deep into the heart of familial bonds and personal redemption. Sybille (Virginie Efira), a divorced mother, is at her wit's end as she watches her teenage son Samuel (Kacey Mottet-Klein) spiral into a violent and meaningless existence. Grappling with her own internal struggles and seeking a way to reconnect, Sybille chooses to embark on a transformative journey with Samuel, to traverse across the vast, raw and unadorned landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, hoping this change in scenery will help heal their fractured relationship.
Lafosse, known for his sharp and emotionally raw chamber dramas about families in crisis, embodies the essence of perseverance and the unyielding human spirit in this adaptation of French author Laurent Mauvignier’s novel, promising to captivate audiences of all ages with its universally accessible themes and striking visual grandeur.
Italy
Nominated for Best Film in the International Critics’ Week section at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, and directed by Alessandro Celli, Dogworld plunges viewers into the desolate cityscape of Taranto, Italy, now ensnared in a post-apocalyptic nightmare.
Lifelong friends, Pietro and Cristian (Dennis Protopapa and Giuliano Soprano), live in a shipwrecked boat under the dubious protection of an old man amidst the crime-ridden city. Soon, their lives take a drastic turn when Pietro is offered a chance to join the local gang, the Ants, led by the enigmatic Testacalda. While they dream of escaping their bleak existence, can their friendship withstand the relentless challenges of gang life?
Dogworld promises an intense exploration of youthful ambition and the struggle for survival in a world where even the smallest acts of kindness can be a dangerous gamble.
France/ Lebanon/ Tunisia/ Qatar
Set against the turbulent backdrop of post-revolutionary Tunisia, the film stars Sami Bouajila and Najla Ben Abdallah as loving parents, Fares and Meriem, whose serene family trip is brutally disrupted when their car is ambushed by terrorists, leaving their 11-year-old son, Aziz, critically injured. When Aziz requires a liver transplant to survive, a long-buried secret that threatens to tear the family apart comes to light.
Nominated for Best Film in the Horizons section and awarded Best Actor at the 2019 Venice International Film Festival, A Son, directed by Mehdi Barsaoui in his feature film debut, presents a poignant narrative that delves into the profound intricacies of familial bonds and the struggle for life. "A drama that expertly captures complex human emotions within their socio-cultural, historical, and political context,” describes Boyd van Hoeij of The Hollywood Reporter, A Son promises to enthrall audiences with its intense and nuanced portrayal of a family's resilience.
Slovakia/ Czech Republic/ Germany
Victim, directed by Michal Blaško and written by Jakub Medvecký, is a gripping Slovak-Czech-German thriller drama that delves into the depths of human vulnerability and societal prejudice, following the journey of a mother’s quest for justice for her son. Irina, a single mother who lives in a small Czech border town, finds her life turned upside down when her son, Igor, claims to have been assaulted by three Roma men. As Irina seeks justice for her son, she begins to notice inconsistencies in his story, leading her down a path of doubt and revelation.
Nominated for Best Film in the Horizons section at the 2022 Venice International Film Festival, Victim masterfully explores the complex interplay between truth, perception, and prejudice, immersing the audience in Irina’s emotional turmoil as she grapples with the evolving narrative of her son’s alleged assault. With its powerful performances and thought-provoking storyline, Victim promises to captivate viewers, challenging their preconceptions and evoking empathy for those caught in the crossfire of societal and personal conflicts.
India
In the bustling streets of Calcutta, where echoes of history intertwine with the fervor of modern ambitions, lies a tale of Ela (Sreelekha Mitra), a woman haunted by her past and driven by a fierce determination to forge her own path. Nominated for Best Film in the Horizons section at the 2021 Venice International Film Festival, Once Upon a Time in Calcutta, directed by Aditya Vikram Sengupta, unfolds as a mesmerizing tapestry of dreams and desires.
Daughter of a cabaret dancer and heir to the legacy of the iconic Sarkarina theatre, Ela navigates a city teeming with aspirations and pitfalls. Her quest for independence leads her into murky waters, where alliances are fragile and survival demands cunning. As she confronts the ghosts of her family’s legacy and the shadows of a changing cityscape, Ela's journey becomes a poignant reflection of resilience against the backdrop of Kolkata's vibrant yet unforgiving streets.
As the curtains close on the 81st Venice International Film Festival, these five films stand as testament to the festival's commitment to showcasing diverse voices and compelling narratives from around the world. Each film offers a window into different cultures and perspectives, reminding us of the power of cinema to provoke thought and stir emotions. So, whether you're a fan of compelling dramas or adventurous tales, dive into these cinematic gems and explore the magic of the Venice International Film Festival from wherever you are, only on CinemaWorld.
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