Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers'&nbsp;and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer'&nbsp;are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept. 1-11. 
 
The world's oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. 
 
New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. 
 
A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog'&nbsp;had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. 
 
Spain's Almodovar reunites with one of his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mothers', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. 
 
They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughter', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God'&nbsp;by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. 
 
Ridley Scott's medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve's hotly-anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. 
 
Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. 
 
"It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Pedro Almodovar's 'Parallel Mothers' and Kristen Stewart's turn as Princess Diana in 'Spencer' are among the titles vying for the top prize this year's Venice film festival, which runs Sept. 1-11. The world's oldest film festival, regarded as a showcase for Oscar contenders as awards season approaches, hopes to welcome back Hollywood celebrities this year after a scaled-down 2020 edition. New Zealand filmmaker Campion, known for 'The Piano', will present her drama starring Benedict Cumberbatch as a sadistic ranch owner who launches a campaign against a young widow, interpreted by Kirsten Dunst, in 1920s Montana. A Netflix production, 'The Power of The Dog' had been invited to screen out of competition at the Cannes festival but opted instead for Venice, which unlike its French rival does not demand a theatrical release for films vying for the top prize. Spain's Almodovar reunites with one of his favourite actresses, Penelope Cruz, in 'Parallel Mothers', while 'Spencer', by Chilean director Pablo Larrain, film centres on a weekend in the early 1990s when Diana decided to separate from Prince Charles. They are among 21 films in the main competition, which include Maggie Gyllenhaal`s directorial debut 'The Lost Daughter', based on an Elena Ferrante novel, and the 'The Hand of God' by Paolo Sorrentino - one of five Italian titles seeking to scoop up the Golden Lion top award. Ridley Scott's medieval epic 'The Last Duel', starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver and Ben Affleck, and Denis Villeneuve's hotly-anticipated science-fiction tale 'Dune', with Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, will both premiere in Venice out-of-competition. Festival director Alberto Barbera hailed the return to the Lido waterfront of "of U.S. studios and of A-list stars who last year were a little wanting". He told a virtual news conference the quality of films this year was higher than usual, and the line-up featured several films lasting three hours or more, some disturbingly violent scenes and many stories with strong women characters. "It`s as if the pandemic helped stimulate creativity all around," he said. With contagion rates on the rise again, anti-COVID restrictions imposed last year will remain in place, including the capacity of festival theatres which has been halved to 4,000 viewers.

Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog', Kristen Stewart's turn as Diana headline Venice film fest

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' won the Best Screenplay award at 77th Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Earlier, the movie was honoured with the International Critics’ Prize awarded by <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/chaitanya-tamhanes-the-disciple-wins-fipresci-award-at-venice-film-festival-327031">FIPRESCI</a>. 
 
The Marathi-language movie was in the running for the highest prize, the Golden Lion which went to <a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/nomadland-wins-the-golden-lion-for-best-film-at-the-venice-film-festival-327144">Chloe Zhao’s 'Nomadland'</a>.&nbsp; 
 
''Writing 'The Disciple' was by far the most challenging and painful endeavour I have ever undertaken. This honour means a lot to me and it will encourage me to keep pushing my boundaries even further. I want to dedicate this award to all the musicians, researchers, authors, and historians who helped open the doors to the incredible world of Indian classical music for me'', Chaitanya said in a statement.&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/venice-film-festival-2020-nomadland-takes-golden-lion-heres-complete-winners-list-327169">Check the&nbsp;complete winners list&nbsp;</a> 
 
'The Disciple'&nbsp;looks at the world of classical musicians, the movie follows the story of Sharad Nerulka, who has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it's possible to achieve the excellence he's striving for. 
 
Chaitanya's movie was the first Indian film since Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding' (2001) to compete at the festival. Nair's film had won the Golden Lion at the festival in 2001.&nbsp; 
 
The film carnival concluded on Saturday (September 12) with its annual awards ceremony. The movie carnival was the first major event held in the pandemic era. 
 
The movie is the only Indian film to make it to the Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF) this year.

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' won the Best Screenplay award at 77th Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Earlier, the movie was honoured with the International Critics’ Prize awarded by FIPRESCI.

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' won the Best Screenplay award at 77th Venice Film Festival on Saturday. Earlier, the movie was honoured with the International Critics’ Prize awarded by FIPRESCI. The Marathi-language movie was in the running for the highest prize, the Golden Lion which went to Chloe Zhao’s 'Nomadland'. ''Writing 'The Disciple' was by far the most challenging and painful endeavour I have ever undertaken. This honour means a lot to me and it will encourage me to keep pushing my boundaries even further. I want to dedicate this award to all the musicians, researchers, authors, and historians who helped open the doors to the incredible world of Indian classical music for me'', Chaitanya said in a statement. Check the complete winners list 'The Disciple' looks at the world of classical musicians, the movie follows the story of Sharad Nerulka, who has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it's possible to achieve the excellence he's striving for. Chaitanya's movie was the first Indian film since Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding' (2001) to compete at the festival. Nair's film had won the Golden Lion at the festival in 2001. The film carnival concluded on Saturday (September 12) with its annual awards ceremony. The movie carnival was the first major event held in the pandemic era. The movie is the only Indian film to make it to the Toronto International Film Festival(TIFF) this year.

Venice Film Festival 2020: Chaitanya Tamhane 'The Disciple' wins Best Screenplay award

Venice Film Festival after a successful run for two weeks concluded on Saturday (September 12) with its annual awards ceremony. The movie carnival was the first major event held in the pandemic era.&nbsp; 
 
This year’s jury president, Cate Blanchette, handed out the awards. Festival top prize Golden Lion, which last year went to 'Joker'. This year went to 'Nomadland', which received rave reviews at the film carnival.&nbsp; 
 
Chloe Zhao, who won the shiny Lion is the first women to take the top prize in exactly a decade since Sofia Coppola won in 2010 with her film 'Somewhere', and the fifth woman in history to win the Venice Film Festival’s top prize.&nbsp; 
 
Here's the full list of winners for the 2020 Venice International Film Festival below. 
 
Golden Lion 
'Nomadland' 
 
Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize 
'Nuevo Orden'; director: Michel Franco 
 
Silver Lion, Best Director 
Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 'Wife Of A Spy' 
 
Volpi Cup, Best Actress 
Vanessa Kirby, 'Pieces Of A Woman' 
 
Volpe Cup Best Actor 
Pierfrancesco Favino, 'Padrenostro' 
 
Best Screenplay 
Chaitanya Tamhane, 'The Disciple' 
 
Special Jury Prize 
'Dear Comrades', director: Andrei Konchalovsky 
 
Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress 
Roohollah Zamani, 'Sun Children' 
 
Horizons 
 
Best Film 
'The Wasteland'; dir: Ahmad Bahrami 
 
Best Director 
Lav Diaz 'Genus Pan' 
 
Special Jury Prize 
'Listen', dir: Ana Rocha de Sousa 
 
Best Actress 
'Khansa Batma', Zanka Contact 
 
Best Actor 
Yahya Mahayni, 'The Man Who Sold His Skin' 
 
Best Screenplay 
Pietro Castellitto, 'I Predatori' 
 
Best Short Film 
'Entre Tú Y Milagros', director: Mariana Saffon 
 
Lion of the Future – Luigi De Laurentiis Award For A Debut Film 
'Listen', director: Ana Rocha de Sousa

Venice Film Festival after a successful run for two weeks concluded on Saturday (September 12) with its annual awards ceremony. The movie carnival was the first major event held in the pandemic era.

Venice Film Festival after a successful run for two weeks concluded on Saturday (September 12) with its annual awards ceremony. The movie carnival was the first major event held in the pandemic era. This year’s jury president, Cate Blanchette, handed out the awards. Festival top prize Golden Lion, which last year went to 'Joker'. This year went to 'Nomadland', which received rave reviews at the film carnival. Chloe Zhao, who won the shiny Lion is the first women to take the top prize in exactly a decade since Sofia Coppola won in 2010 with her film 'Somewhere', and the fifth woman in history to win the Venice Film Festival’s top prize. Here's the full list of winners for the 2020 Venice International Film Festival below. Golden Lion 'Nomadland' Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize 'Nuevo Orden'; director: Michel Franco Silver Lion, Best Director Kiyoshi Kurosawa, 'Wife Of A Spy' Volpi Cup, Best Actress Vanessa Kirby, 'Pieces Of A Woman' Volpe Cup Best Actor Pierfrancesco Favino, 'Padrenostro' Best Screenplay Chaitanya Tamhane, 'The Disciple' Special Jury Prize 'Dear Comrades', director: Andrei Konchalovsky Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best New Young Actor or Actress Roohollah Zamani, 'Sun Children' Horizons Best Film 'The Wasteland'; dir: Ahmad Bahrami Best Director Lav Diaz 'Genus Pan' Special Jury Prize 'Listen', dir: Ana Rocha de Sousa Best Actress 'Khansa Batma', Zanka Contact Best Actor Yahya Mahayni, 'The Man Who Sold His Skin' Best Screenplay Pietro Castellitto, 'I Predatori' Best Short Film 'Entre Tú Y Milagros', director: Mariana Saffon Lion of the Future – Luigi De Laurentiis Award For A Debut Film 'Listen', director: Ana Rocha de Sousa

Venice Film Festival 2020: 'Nomadland’ takes Golden Lion; here's complete winners list

Chaitanya Tamhane’s '<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-Indian-Marathi-film-The-Disciple-selected-in-competition-section-of-Venice-Film-Festival-316659">The Disciple'&nbsp; </a>won the prestigious FIPRESCI award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. The movie received rave reviews from the critics at the carnival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-Cate-Blanchett-promotes-eco-fashion-as-she-repeats-outfits-at-Venice-Film-Festival-325863" hreflang="en">Cate Blanchett promotes eco fashion as she repeats outfits at Venice Film Festival</a> 
 
Expressing his gratitude, Chaitanya said, ''I want to thank the FIPRESCI and its jury members from the bottom of my heart for their continued support for our work. This is a very special honour for us given that the jury for this award comprises of film critics and journalists from around the world. We are all quite thrilled and excited with this fantastic start to the journey of 'The Disciple',''&nbsp;

Watch the movie trailer here:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-S-N6-Bfv84" width="560"></iframe>

Chaitanya's movie entered in competition at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, and was the first Indian film since 'Monsoon Wedding' (2001) to compete at the festival. The movie has been produced by four-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/venice-film-festival-2020-first-ever-gujarati-film-vying-for-top-prize-325629" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival 2020: First-ever Gujarati film vying for top prize</a> 
 
The Marathi drama has been written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane. The movie follows the story of Sharad Nerulka, who has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it's possible to achieve the excellence he's striving for.

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' won the prestigious FIPRESCI award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. The movie received rave reviews from the critics at the carnival.

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' won the prestigious FIPRESCI award at the 2020 Venice Film Festival. The movie received rave reviews from the critics at the carnival. Also read: Cate Blanchett promotes eco fashion as she repeats outfits at Venice Film Festival Expressing his gratitude, Chaitanya said, ''I want to thank the FIPRESCI and its jury members from the bottom of my heart for their continued support for our work. This is a very special honour for us given that the jury for this award comprises of film critics and journalists from around the world. We are all quite thrilled and excited with this fantastic start to the journey of 'The Disciple','' Watch the movie trailer here: Chaitanya's movie entered in competition at the 77th Venice International Film Festival, and was the first Indian film since 'Monsoon Wedding' (2001) to compete at the festival. The movie has been produced by four-time Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuaron. Also read: Venice Film Festival 2020: First-ever Gujarati film vying for top prize The Marathi drama has been written and directed by Chaitanya Tamhane. The movie follows the story of Sharad Nerulka, who has devoted his life to becoming an Indian classical music vocalist, diligently following the traditions and discipline of old masters, his guru, and his father. But as years go by, Sharad starts to wonder whether it's possible to achieve the excellence he's striving for.

Chaitanya Tamhane’s 'The Disciple' wins FIPRESCI award at Venice Film Festival

Greta Thunberg said&nbsp;the weight of having to sound the alarm on climate change was "too much" for her or any child after a hugely surprising fly-on-the-wall film about her rise was premiered at the Venice film festival.

The Swedish teenager allowed film-maker Nathan Grossman to follow her for a year after he met her in 2018 on the very first day of her schools' strike, sitting alone outside parliament in Stockholm with her homemade placard.

In that time she went from being a self-confessed ''shy nerdy person" to global icon.&nbsp;

The resulting film, "Greta", reveals not only the inside story of the pain and risk Thunberg has put herself through for the climate cause -- braving death threats and a hair-raising North Atlantic crossing in a racing yacht -- but her love of breaking into dance and her gift for comedy.

Thunberg said&nbsp;that she hoped the intimate, often touching portrait that tracks her extraordinary rise would put an end to the "conspiracy theories that I don't think for myself and someone else writes my speeches.&nbsp;

"In the movie you can see that is not actually true, that I do decide for myself," said the activist, who has been dismissed as a "brat" by Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who claimed she was being manipulated. 
 
Several scenes show in the documentary her clashing with her actor father, Svante -- who she convinced to become a vegan -- often over her perfectionism as she writes and rewrites her speeches.

Speaking via Zoom during a break in classes at her secondary school in Stockholm, Thunberg said the film was true to the real her, someone who "loves her dogs and routines" but whose life has been turned upside down by the climate cause.

The film shows how she dances in her pyjamas to relieve stress as she criss-crosses Europe on trains and in her father's electric car, living off baked beans and pasta as she urges leaders to act to save the planet.

At another point she despairs that the responsibility of her role to remind the world of the existential crisis it faces is "too much", a fear she repeated Friday during her virtual press conference at Venice.

"It is such a responsibility. I don't want to have to do all this," she said.&nbsp;

Yet when far-right critics vilified her as "mentally ill" in the film, Thunberg, who has Asperger syndrome, laughed it off saying, "Sometimes I think it might be good if everyone had a bit of Asberger's. 
"I don't see the world in black and white, just the climate crisis." 
 
Despite the adoration Thunberg now receives at demonstrations and on social media, in the film she admits that "kids were mean to me" when I was younger. "I was never invited to parties and was left out."

The activist, now 17, said she was relieved the documentary does away with the idea that she is an "angry naive child who sits in the United Nation General Assembly screaming at world leaders, because that is not the person I am."

Indeed, she drew a laugh from reporters and Grossman by admitting that at one stage she "doubted his seriousness" as a film-maker because he worked on his own.

"Why don't they send a sound guy? Why aren't they more professional?" she wondered.

The film shows how the straight-talking schoolgirl went from being a quiet introvert to a global celebrity in a few months in 2018, and her frustration at the gulf between politicians' promises and their actions.

"I think the most surprising thing about Greta is that she is very, very funny," Grossman told reporters. 
"Sometimes I joke that she could have been a comedian. She is very charming and funny as you have seen in this press conference."

Greta Thunberg said the weight of having to sound the alarm on climate change was "too much" for her or any child after a hugely surprising fly-on-the-wall film about her rise was premiered at the Venice film festival.

Greta Thunberg said the weight of having to sound the alarm on climate change was "too much" for her or any child after a hugely surprising fly-on-the-wall film about her rise was premiered at the Venice film festival. The Swedish teenager allowed film-maker Nathan Grossman to follow her for a year after he met her in 2018 on the very first day of her schools' strike, sitting alone outside parliament in Stockholm with her homemade placard. In that time she went from being a self-confessed ''shy nerdy person" to global icon. The resulting film, "Greta", reveals not only the inside story of the pain and risk Thunberg has put herself through for the climate cause -- braving death threats and a hair-raising North Atlantic crossing in a racing yacht -- but her love of breaking into dance and her gift for comedy. Thunberg said that she hoped the intimate, often touching portrait that tracks her extraordinary rise would put an end to the "conspiracy theories that I don't think for myself and someone else writes my speeches. "In the movie you can see that is not actually true, that I do decide for myself," said the activist, who has been dismissed as a "brat" by Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, who claimed she was being manipulated. Several scenes show in the documentary her clashing with her actor father, Svante -- who she convinced to become a vegan -- often over her perfectionism as she writes and rewrites her speeches. Speaking via Zoom during a break in classes at her secondary school in Stockholm, Thunberg said the film was true to the real her, someone who "loves her dogs and routines" but whose life has been turned upside down by the climate cause. The film shows how she dances in her pyjamas to relieve stress as she criss-crosses Europe on trains and in her father's electric car, living off baked beans and pasta as she urges leaders to act to save the planet. At another point she despairs that the responsibility of her role to remind the world of the existential crisis it faces is "too much", a fear she repeated Friday during her virtual press conference at Venice. "It is such a responsibility. I don't want to have to do all this," she said. Yet when far-right critics vilified her as "mentally ill" in the film, Thunberg, who has Asperger syndrome, laughed it off saying, "Sometimes I think it might be good if everyone had a bit of Asberger's. "I don't see the world in black and white, just the climate crisis." Despite the adoration Thunberg now receives at demonstrations and on social media, in the film she admits that "kids were mean to me" when I was younger. "I was never invited to parties and was left out." The activist, now 17, said she was relieved the documentary does away with the idea that she is an "angry naive child who sits in the United Nation General Assembly screaming at world leaders, because that is not the person I am." Indeed, she drew a laugh from reporters and Grossman by admitting that at one stage she "doubted his seriousness" as a film-maker because he worked on his own. "Why don't they send a sound guy? Why aren't they more professional?" she wondered. The film shows how the straight-talking schoolgirl went from being a quiet introvert to a global celebrity in a few months in 2018, and her frustration at the gulf between politicians' promises and their actions. "I think the most surprising thing about Greta is that she is very, very funny," Grossman told reporters. "Sometimes I joke that she could have been a comedian. She is very charming and funny as you have seen in this press conference."

Venice Carnival 2020: Film reveals Greta Thunberg as steely, funny and a secret dancer

Australian director Roderick MacKay braved COVID-19 restrictions to make a 'daunting'&nbsp;trip to the Venice film festival, where his debut feature 'The Furnace'&nbsp;premieres on Friday. 
 
MacKay had to get permission from Australian authorities to leave his own country, quarantine in Rome for two weeks before travelling to Venice, and will have to quarantine again when he goes back to Australia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/hollywood/news-Venice-Film-Festival-2020-Tilda-Swinton-accepts-Golden-Lion-with-Wakanda-Forever-325007" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival 2020: Tilda Swinton accepts Golden Lion with 'Wakanda Forever'</a> 
 
"Travelling during this time in history is sort of just a little bit daunting for any purpose," 33-year old MacKay, who filmed a video of his journey and self-isolation on his mobile for Reuters, said in an interview. 
 
"But to be doing so, to come to a top tier festival like Venice, to have your debut film premiere on the world stage, it`s certainly a whole other layer of dauntingness," he said, adding he was happy and honoured to be at the world`s oldest film festival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/venice-film-festival-opens-with-tribute-to-coronavirus-victims-324982" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival opens with tribute to coronavirus victims</a> 
 
"The Furnace", which is in the Horizon section outside the main competition, tells the little known story of cameleers brought to Australia by the British empire from India, Afghanistan and Persia in the second half of the 19th century and the local Aboriginal people they befriended.

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/photos/the-disciple-to-pieces-of-a-woman-films-chasing-top-prize-at-venice-film-festival-324323" hreflang="en">'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival</a> 
 
The Venice film festival is the first such international event to go ahead in front of live audiences since the coronavirus pandemic shut much of the movie world down. It runs until Sept 12.

Australian director Roderick MacKay braved COVID-19 restrictions to make a 'daunting' trip to the Venice film festival, where his debut feature 'The Furnace' premieres on Friday.

Australian director Roderick MacKay braved COVID-19 restrictions to make a 'daunting' trip to the Venice film festival, where his debut feature 'The Furnace' premieres on Friday. MacKay had to get permission from Australian authorities to leave his own country, quarantine in Rome for two weeks before travelling to Venice, and will have to quarantine again when he goes back to Australia. Also read: Venice Film Festival 2020: Tilda Swinton accepts Golden Lion with 'Wakanda Forever' "Travelling during this time in history is sort of just a little bit daunting for any purpose," 33-year old MacKay, who filmed a video of his journey and self-isolation on his mobile for Reuters, said in an interview. "But to be doing so, to come to a top tier festival like Venice, to have your debut film premiere on the world stage, it`s certainly a whole other layer of dauntingness," he said, adding he was happy and honoured to be at the world`s oldest film festival. Also read: Venice Film Festival opens with tribute to coronavirus victims "The Furnace", which is in the Horizon section outside the main competition, tells the little known story of cameleers brought to Australia by the British empire from India, Afghanistan and Persia in the second half of the 19th century and the local Aboriginal people they befriended. In pics: 'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival The Venice film festival is the first such international event to go ahead in front of live audiences since the coronavirus pandemic shut much of the movie world down. It runs until Sept 12.

Australian filmmaker Roderick MacKay braves double COVID quarantine for Venice festival

The Venice Film Festival opened Wednesday with a tribute to those who lost their lives from coronavirus as the event sought to kickstart the industry still reeling from the effects of the crisis.&nbsp;

The festival, rolling out on the glitzy beachfront Lido through September 12, is the first major international festival to take place since COVID-19 shuttered theatres, halted production and drove millions of moviegoers around the world to their television sets.&nbsp;

In pics:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-disciple-to-pieces-of-a-woman-films-chasing-top-prize-at-venice-film-festival-324323" hreflang="en">'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival</a>

Although the scaled-down event will offer less red-carpet glamour this year, with most of Hollywood's A-listers staying away due to travel restrictions, organisers hope the movies themselves will take centre stage as the film industry makes tentative steps to regain its footing.

President of the jury Australian actress Cate Blanchett, dressed in a sparkling black gown with dramatic white trim, saluted the work of the festival's organisers at the opening ceremony.&nbsp;

"We are here and we did it," said Blanchett in Italian, before switching into English.&nbsp; 
"Being here tonight seems like some kind of wonderous miracle," said the Academy Award-winning actress, her jury seated in the theatre's first row of seats due to coronavirus regulations.&nbsp;

Italian actress Anna Foglietta, host of the ceremony, gave an impassioned tribute to the victims of coronavirus and the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who sought to save lives during the pandemic, which has killed over 35,000 people in Italy.&nbsp; 
 
The festival held annually on the swanky Lido -- which over the decades has attracted celebrity heavyweights from Sophia Loren to George Clooney -- will this year award its top prize, the Golden Lion, to one of 18 films in the main competition.

Earlier in the day at a news conference, Blanchett saluted the "infinite creativity and resilience" of film-makers during the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

"Over the last few months... in our isolated bubbles we've been sustained by streaming images and stories into our living rooms, but I think there has been a vital component that's been missing and that's back here tonight," she said.&nbsp;

"Strangers gathering in the dark in anticipation of a collective experience, an event."&nbsp;

British actress Tilda Swinton garnered a standing ovation as she received a lifetime achievement award from the festival.

"Cinema is my happy place, it's my true motherland," said Swinton. 
Opening the festival, but out of the main competition, was "Lacci" by Italian director Daniele Luchetti, the story of a family unravelling and the ties that nevertheless continue to bind and wound.

&nbsp;- Opening jitters - 
Organisers of the festival are taking a high-risk bet that they can safely run the festival despite coronavirus cases on the rise in Italy and neighbouring European countries.

Strict safety measures are in place, from mask wearing to social distancing within cinemas, to the decision to ban fans from the red carpet.

On Tuesday, workers finished last-minute projects, as dozens of red safety signs were installed throughout the venue, underscoring the peculiarity of this year's event.&nbsp;

Festival Director Alberto Barbera acknowledged some jitters on the eve of the opening.&nbsp; 
"I'm excited and I'm a little bit anxious," Barbera, neatly turned out in a pressed blue suit despite the heat, told AFP on Tuesday.&nbsp;

In May, Barbera made the decision to go ahead with 'La Mostra'&nbsp;-- now in its 77th year -- despite film festivals around the world opting to cancel, including Venice's French rival, the Cannes Film Festival.

"We feel a responsibility to be the first. We knew Venice will be sort of a test for everyone," he said.

About 6,000 people are expected to turn out this year -- about half the festival's usual number -- as border restrictions around the globe have limited the ability of many to travel.

Fans hoping to get an autograph or snap a selfie with their favourite stars are likely to be disappointed, however. The red carpet now includes a newly erected wall in the spot where fans have always congregated behind barriers to watch the parade of celebrities.&nbsp;

The Venice Film Festival opened Wednesday with a tribute to those who lost their lives from coronavirus as the event sought to kickstart the industry still reeling from the effects of the crisis.

The Venice Film Festival opened Wednesday with a tribute to those who lost their lives from coronavirus as the event sought to kickstart the industry still reeling from the effects of the crisis. The festival, rolling out on the glitzy beachfront Lido through September 12, is the first major international festival to take place since COVID-19 shuttered theatres, halted production and drove millions of moviegoers around the world to their television sets. In pics: 'The Disciple' to 'Pieces of a Woman': Films chasing top prize at Venice Film Festival Although the scaled-down event will offer less red-carpet glamour this year, with most of Hollywood's A-listers staying away due to travel restrictions, organisers hope the movies themselves will take centre stage as the film industry makes tentative steps to regain its footing. President of the jury Australian actress Cate Blanchett, dressed in a sparkling black gown with dramatic white trim, saluted the work of the festival's organisers at the opening ceremony. "We are here and we did it," said Blanchett in Italian, before switching into English. "Being here tonight seems like some kind of wonderous miracle," said the Academy Award-winning actress, her jury seated in the theatre's first row of seats due to coronavirus regulations. Italian actress Anna Foglietta, host of the ceremony, gave an impassioned tribute to the victims of coronavirus and the doctors, nurses and medical professionals who sought to save lives during the pandemic, which has killed over 35,000 people in Italy. The festival held annually on the swanky Lido -- which over the decades has attracted celebrity heavyweights from Sophia Loren to George Clooney -- will this year award its top prize, the Golden Lion, to one of 18 films in the main competition. Earlier in the day at a news conference, Blanchett saluted the "infinite creativity and resilience" of film-makers during the coronavirus lockdown. "Over the last few months... in our isolated bubbles we've been sustained by streaming images and stories into our living rooms, but I think there has been a vital component that's been missing and that's back here tonight," she said. "Strangers gathering in the dark in anticipation of a collective experience, an event." British actress Tilda Swinton garnered a standing ovation as she received a lifetime achievement award from the festival. "Cinema is my happy place, it's my true motherland," said Swinton. Opening the festival, but out of the main competition, was "Lacci" by Italian director Daniele Luchetti, the story of a family unravelling and the ties that nevertheless continue to bind and wound. - Opening jitters - Organisers of the festival are taking a high-risk bet that they can safely run the festival despite coronavirus cases on the rise in Italy and neighbouring European countries. Strict safety measures are in place, from mask wearing to social distancing within cinemas, to the decision to ban fans from the red carpet. On Tuesday, workers finished last-minute projects, as dozens of red safety signs were installed throughout the venue, underscoring the peculiarity of this year's event. Festival Director Alberto Barbera acknowledged some jitters on the eve of the opening. "I'm excited and I'm a little bit anxious," Barbera, neatly turned out in a pressed blue suit despite the heat, told AFP on Tuesday. In May, Barbera made the decision to go ahead with 'La Mostra' -- now in its 77th year -- despite film festivals around the world opting to cancel, including Venice's French rival, the Cannes Film Festival. "We feel a responsibility to be the first. We knew Venice will be sort of a test for everyone," he said. About 6,000 people are expected to turn out this year -- about half the festival's usual number -- as border restrictions around the globe have limited the ability of many to travel. Fans hoping to get an autograph or snap a selfie with their favourite stars are likely to be disappointed, however. The red carpet now includes a newly erected wall in the spot where fans have always congregated behind barriers to watch the parade of celebrities.

Venice Film Festival opens with tribute to coronavirus victims

What if you threw a film festival and nobody came?

That, in essence, is the challenge facing organisers of this year's Venice Film Festival, the glamorous annual competition where stars, critics, photographers and industry executives mingle on the bustling Lido, overlooking sandy beaches and the blue Adriatic.

Provided, of course, it's a normal year. But in 2020, the world's oldest film festival is forced to walk a tightrope between preserving its lustre as the premier launch pad for Academy Award-winning films, while safely navigating the coronavirus crisis and averting the controversy over gender inequality that has dogged it in the past.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/masks-gel-and-empty-seats-for-venice-film-festival-322367" hreflang="en">Masks, gel, and empty seats for Venice Film Festival</a>

Opening Wednesday and continuing until September 12, the prestigious event now in its 77th year will be the first international film festival since the pandemic shuttered competitions around the world.

It has put in place a host of safety measures -- from limited seating to thermal scanners, to a fan-free red carpet -- to protect attendees as Covid-19 cases continueto climb in Italy and around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-Indian-Marathi-film-The-Disciple-selected-in-competition-section-of-Venice-Film-Festival-316659" hreflang="en">Indian Marathi film 'The Disciple' selected in competition section of Venice Film Festival</a>

In July, festival director Alberto Barbera declared the event "saved" as he announced the 18 films among the approximately 60 presented that would vie for the top award, the Golden Lion.

He promised that the festival would preserve the "liveliness of contemporary cinema".

Despite its scaled-down size with theatre capacity reduced by about half, La Biennale di Venezia takes on greater importance this year due to the cancellation of rival film festivals across the globe, among them the glitzy Cannes Film Festival on the Cote d'Azur in France.

- Unprecedented territory -&nbsp; 
 
But just days ahead of the opening, organisers are scrambling to navigate unprecedented territory amid uncertain attendance and last-minute cancellations. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Whereas Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep and Scarlett Johansson provided the star firepower at last year's festival, ongoing travel restrictions -- especially a travel ban from the United States into Europe -- mean that most Hollywood elites will be no-shows, along with actors and directors from China, India and South America.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/bollywood/news-Indian-Marathi-film-The-Disciple-selected-in-competition-section-of-Venice-Film-Festival-316659" hreflang="en">Indian Marathi film 'The Disciple' selected in competition section of Venice Film Festival</a>

Those arriving from outside Europe's Schengen zone will have to submit results of a Covid-19 test just before their departure, with a second test carried out in Venice, meaning that some attendees may have to cancel.

Earlier this week, the festival announced that American actor Matt Dillon would be a last-minute substitute on the jury for Romanian director Crisit Puiu.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/venice-film-festival-to-honour-tilda-swinton-ann-hui-314833" hreflang="en">Venice Film Festival to honour Tilda Swinton, Ann Hui</a>

No reason was given for Puiu's absence, but industry trade magazines noted he had given a speech earlier this month in which he said it was "inhumane" to watch movies with a mask on.

Those confirmed as attending include, among others, British actress Tilda Swinton, Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, US director Oliver Stone and Danish actor Mads 
Mikkelsen.

- More women directors - 
 
The uncertain lineup of stars and dearth of top names leaves Australian actress Cate Blanchett, president of the jury, to take up the mantle of celebrity -- and social activism -- at Venice.

Blanchett was the leader of the #MeToo women's march up the red carpet steps at Cannes two years ago that sought to bring attention to the lack of parity and diversity in cinema. 
The Oscar-winning headliner told Variety magazine on Thursday that this year's eight women directors in the main competition lineup of Venice is "a direct response to the positive advances that have been made this year".&nbsp;

Others say it is too early to tell whether a page has turned.

"It's all about being consistent and diligent and believing that women make movies as well as men, and using that in the way you programme," said Melissa Silverstein, founder and publisher of "Women and Hollywood", which advocates for gender diversity and inclusion in film.

Last year's festival opened under controversy after the inclusion in the lineup of French-Polish director Roman Polanski, who fled the United States after his 1977 conviction of rape of a 13-year-old girl.

There were also only two female directors in the selection. In both 2018 and 2017, only one female director was represented.

Blanchett said more was riding on the jury's decisions this year, given the limited opportunities for filmmakers to show their work publicly, due to the coronavirus closures. 
 
"So, whatever the deliberations the jury will make will be more impactful. I don't take that responsibility or privilege lightly."

What if you threw a film festival and nobody came? That, in essence, is the challenge facing organisers of this year's Venice Film Festival, the glamorous annual competition where stars, critics, photographers and industry executives mingle on the bustling Lido, overlooking sandy beaches and the blue Adriatic.

What if you threw a film festival and nobody came? That, in essence, is the challenge facing organisers of this year's Venice Film Festival, the glamorous annual competition where stars, critics, photographers and industry executives mingle on the bustling Lido, overlooking sandy beaches and the blue Adriatic. Provided, of course, it's a normal year. But in 2020, the world's oldest film festival is forced to walk a tightrope between preserving its lustre as the premier launch pad for Academy Award-winning films, while safely navigating the coronavirus crisis and averting the controversy over gender inequality that has dogged it in the past. Also read: Masks, gel, and empty seats for Venice Film Festival Opening Wednesday and continuing until September 12, the prestigious event now in its 77th year will be the first international film festival since the pandemic shuttered competitions around the world. It has put in place a host of safety measures -- from limited seating to thermal scanners, to a fan-free red carpet -- to protect attendees as Covid-19 cases continueto climb in Italy and around the world. Also read: Indian Marathi film 'The Disciple' selected in competition section of Venice Film Festival In July, festival director Alberto Barbera declared the event "saved" as he announced the 18 films among the approximately 60 presented that would vie for the top award, the Golden Lion. He promised that the festival would preserve the "liveliness of contemporary cinema". Despite its scaled-down size with theatre capacity reduced by about half, La Biennale di Venezia takes on greater importance this year due to the cancellation of rival film festivals across the globe, among them the glitzy Cannes Film Festival on the Cote d'Azur in France. - Unprecedented territory - But just days ahead of the opening, organisers are scrambling to navigate unprecedented territory amid uncertain attendance and last-minute cancellations. Whereas Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep and Scarlett Johansson provided the star firepower at last year's festival, ongoing travel restrictions -- especially a travel ban from the United States into Europe -- mean that most Hollywood elites will be no-shows, along with actors and directors from China, India and South America. Also read: Indian Marathi film 'The Disciple' selected in competition section of Venice Film Festival Those arriving from outside Europe's Schengen zone will have to submit results of a Covid-19 test just before their departure, with a second test carried out in Venice, meaning that some attendees may have to cancel. Earlier this week, the festival announced that American actor Matt Dillon would be a last-minute substitute on the jury for Romanian director Crisit Puiu. Also read: Venice Film Festival to honour Tilda Swinton, Ann Hui No reason was given for Puiu's absence, but industry trade magazines noted he had given a speech earlier this month in which he said it was "inhumane" to watch movies with a mask on. Those confirmed as attending include, among others, British actress Tilda Swinton, Spanish director Pedro Almodovar, US director Oliver Stone and Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen. - More women directors - The uncertain lineup of stars and dearth of top names leaves Australian actress Cate Blanchett, president of the jury, to take up the mantle of celebrity -- and social activism -- at Venice. Blanchett was the leader of the #MeToo women's march up the red carpet steps at Cannes two years ago that sought to bring attention to the lack of parity and diversity in cinema. The Oscar-winning headliner told Variety magazine on Thursday that this year's eight women directors in the main competition lineup of Venice is "a direct response to the positive advances that have been made this year". Others say it is too early to tell whether a page has turned. "It's all about being consistent and diligent and believing that women make movies as well as men, and using that in the way you programme," said Melissa Silverstein, founder and publisher of "Women and Hollywood", which advocates for gender diversity and inclusion in film. Last year's festival opened under controversy after the inclusion in the lineup of French-Polish director Roman Polanski, who fled the United States after his 1977 conviction of rape of a 13-year-old girl. There were also only two female directors in the selection. In both 2018 and 2017, only one female director was represented. Blanchett said more was riding on the jury's decisions this year, given the limited opportunities for filmmakers to show their work publicly, due to the coronavirus closures. "So, whatever the deliberations the jury will make will be more impactful. I don't take that responsibility or privilege lightly."

Venice Film Festival seeks to dodge coronavirus and controversy

The Venice Film Festival issued virus safety guidelines on Friday, as organisers hope the oldest such event in the world can maintain its international panache while remaining infection-free. The 10-day festival that begins next month on the legendary Lido in Venice is likely to be one of the festival's most atypical, given the masks and social distancing necessitated by the lingering threat of coronavirus.&nbsp; 
 
The Biennale di Venezia, as it is called in Italian, has taken on greater importance this year as film festivals across have the globe have cancelled, including Venice's main competitor, the glamorous Cannes Film Festival on the Cote d'Azur in France. 
 
But recent spikes in coronavirus cases around Europe -- including Italy -- have raised the stakes for the festival, the first major international film event to be held in the midst of the ongoing pandemic.&nbsp; 
 
Festival organisers have already warned that the September 2-12 event will be a more scaled-down affair as thousands of filmmakers, actors, journalists and industry executives are unable to travel due to border restrictions. 
 
Still, the prestigious festival -- now in its 77th year -- will attract hundreds of journalists and a mostly European crowd of guests, including personalities such as Australian actress Cate Blanchett, president of the jury. 
 
- No autographs, please - 
 
Those who arrive from outside Europe's Schengen area will have to submit results of a COVID-19 test just before their departure, organisers said, with a second test carried out in Venice. &nbsp; 
 
Thermoscanners will be set up at every entrance to the festival, with disinfecting liquid available in all screening rooms, halls and meeting points.&nbsp; 
 
Masks are mandatory not only inside theatres but in all outdoor areas. In a move sure to disappoint star-struck fans, the public will not be allowed on the sidelines of the red carpet, that much watched parade of fashion and finery, which will be reserved for photographers alone. &nbsp; 
 
Inside theatres, seats will be alternated to maintain one empty seat between filmgoers. 
 
This year, 18 films are in competition, for a total of 60 features in five different categories and 15 shorts.Fifty countries are represented in the festival. This year, festivals around the globe such as Cannes, Telluride and South by Southwest have been forced to cancel due to the coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Venice Film Festival issued virus safety guidelines on Friday, as organisers hope the oldest such event in the world can maintain its international panache while remaining infection-free.

The Venice Film Festival issued virus safety guidelines on Friday, as organisers hope the oldest such event in the world can maintain its international panache while remaining infection-free. The 10-day festival that begins next month on the legendary Lido in Venice is likely to be one of the festival's most atypical, given the masks and social distancing necessitated by the lingering threat of coronavirus. The Biennale di Venezia, as it is called in Italian, has taken on greater importance this year as film festivals across have the globe have cancelled, including Venice's main competitor, the glamorous Cannes Film Festival on the Cote d'Azur in France. But recent spikes in coronavirus cases around Europe -- including Italy -- have raised the stakes for the festival, the first major international film event to be held in the midst of the ongoing pandemic. Festival organisers have already warned that the September 2-12 event will be a more scaled-down affair as thousands of filmmakers, actors, journalists and industry executives are unable to travel due to border restrictions. Still, the prestigious festival -- now in its 77th year -- will attract hundreds of journalists and a mostly European crowd of guests, including personalities such as Australian actress Cate Blanchett, president of the jury. - No autographs, please - Those who arrive from outside Europe's Schengen area will have to submit results of a COVID-19 test just before their departure, organisers said, with a second test carried out in Venice. Thermoscanners will be set up at every entrance to the festival, with disinfecting liquid available in all screening rooms, halls and meeting points. Masks are mandatory not only inside theatres but in all outdoor areas. In a move sure to disappoint star-struck fans, the public will not be allowed on the sidelines of the red carpet, that much watched parade of fashion and finery, which will be reserved for photographers alone. Inside theatres, seats will be alternated to maintain one empty seat between filmgoers. This year, 18 films are in competition, for a total of 60 features in five different categories and 15 shorts.Fifty countries are represented in the festival. This year, festivals around the globe such as Cannes, Telluride and South by Southwest have been forced to cancel due to the coronavirus.

Masks, gel, and empty seats for Venice Film Festival

Hundreds of revellers lined the narrow alleys and bridges to admire a flotilla of boats carrying spectacularly dressed participants on the first full day of the Venice Carnival on Sunday (February 9).

Venice comes alive with colourful characters in carnival boat parade

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