Controversial director Roman Polanski's latest film, The Palace, premiered on Sunday at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film has got a dismal 0 per cent rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The rating has been deduced based on a total of 10 reviews submitted by Rotten Tomatoes-approved critics. The score implies a unanimous note of disappointment with the filmmaker's latest work, which is in the competition section of the festival. 
 
'Rotten' score for Polanski's new film 
 
The Palace's plot is set in 1999 during the New Year’s Eve celebration in a luxurious hotel called the Gstaad Palace, which is located in the Swiss Alps, where the lives of various guests and those who work for them, intersect.&nbsp; 
The film stars Oliver Masucci, John Cleese, Fanny Ardant, Luca Barbareschi, and Mickey Rourke.&nbsp; 
 
The dismal 0 per cent score might see an improvement as more reviews come in. The film has also received a poor reception at the festival which will prove to be a major hindrance to the distribution of the film.&nbsp;So far, the film has sold distribution rights across continental Europe only.

The Palace did earn a modest standing ovation at the premiere in Venice, although the reception was particularly harsh, with many critics calling it a 'misfire' that is to be ranked as Polanski's worst to date.&nbsp; 
 
A press member took to Twitter and said, "#Polanski's #ThePalace makes What? feel like a comedic masterpiece, in comparison. Imagine Playtime being remade by Michael Bay but without the wit and subtlety of the Transformer films. I don't want to sound negative, but it's one of the worst films I've ever seen. #Venezia80". 
 
The Variety review said, 'Nothing in the movie is funny,' and wrote, "Even at 90, he wants to be the “bad boy.” In “The Palace,” though, he’s just a bad filmmaker." 
 
The Times review called it, "An eye-scorching atrocity that is instantly one of the most egregious film-making failures of the year, possibly even the decade."&nbsp; 
 
Controversial move at the Venice Film Festival 
 
Roman Polanski's inclusion in Venice was met with protests at the Lido. The&nbsp;controversy surrounding the director has not stopped. Polanski was arrested and charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977. He left the US&nbsp;in 1978 after pleading guilty to statutory rape.

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Controversial director Roman Polanski's latest film, The Palace, premiered on Sunday at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film has got a dismal 0 per cent rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.

Controversial director Roman Polanski's latest film, The Palace, premiered on Sunday at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film has got a dismal 0 per cent rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The rating has been deduced based on a total of 10 reviews submitted by Rotten Tomatoes-approved critics. The score implies a unanimous note of disappointment with the filmmaker's latest work, which is in the competition section of the festival. 'Rotten' score for Polanski's new film The Palace's plot is set in 1999 during the New Year’s Eve celebration in a luxurious hotel called the Gstaad Palace, which is located in the Swiss Alps, where the lives of various guests and those who work for them, intersect. The film stars Oliver Masucci, John Cleese, Fanny Ardant, Luca Barbareschi, and Mickey Rourke. The dismal 0 per cent score might see an improvement as more reviews come in. The film has also received a poor reception at the festival which will prove to be a major hindrance to the distribution of the film. So far, the film has sold distribution rights across continental Europe only. The Palace did earn a modest standing ovation at the premiere in Venice, although the reception was particularly harsh, with many critics calling it a 'misfire' that is to be ranked as Polanski's worst to date. A press member took to Twitter and said, "#Polanski's #ThePalace makes What? feel like a comedic masterpiece, in comparison. Imagine Playtime being remade by Michael Bay but without the wit and subtlety of the Transformer films. I don't want to sound negative, but it's one of the worst films I've ever seen. #Venezia80". The Variety review said, 'Nothing in the movie is funny,' and wrote, "Even at 90, he wants to be the “bad boy.” In “The Palace,” though, he’s just a bad filmmaker." The Times review called it, "An eye-scorching atrocity that is instantly one of the most egregious film-making failures of the year, possibly even the decade." Controversial move at the Venice Film Festival Roman Polanski's inclusion in Venice was met with protests at the Lido. The controversy surrounding the director has not stopped. Polanski was arrested and charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl in 1977. He left the US in 1978 after pleading guilty to statutory rape.

Roman Polanski's The Palace premieres at Venice Film Festival, gets a dismal 0 rating on Rotten Tomatoes

The Venice Film Festival kickstarted today (August 30) but with no star power to back up the red-carpet glam. The film festival opted to open with the World War II drama Comandante by young Italian auteur Edoardo De Angelis instead of Zendaya-led Challengers by Luca Guadagnino. The latter was supposed to open the 80th annual Venice Film Festival, but owing to SAG-AFTRA strikes, another film was picked for the opening day.&nbsp;

Comandante is mostly set on a submarine. The film got a brief 90-second standing ovation as actor Pierfrancesco Favino who plays naval officer Salvatore Todaro took a bow.

<h2>No stars at Venice Film Festival on opening day</h2>

The Venice Film Festival looked rather dull with no stars gracing the red carpet. That also affected the crowds outside the event’s entrance. The biggest cheers went to Damien Chazelle, who is presiding over the Venice jury. During the day’s first press conference, Chazelle and fellow juror Martin McDonagh expressed support for the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood, sporting a Writers Guild on Strike shirt and pin.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/selena-gomez-deletes-post-on-only-murders-show-after-being-accused-of-breaking-sag-aftra-strike-rules-630760">Selena Gomez deletes post on Only Murders... show after being accused of breaking SAG-AFTRA strike rules</a>

Meanwhile, Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera emphasised that despite no actors being allowed to do promotional campaigns for their films as part of SAG-AFTRA rules, we will get to see actors like Adam Driver attend the festival for his upcoming film Ferrari. There will also be Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi for Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Caleb Landry Jones for Luc Besson’s Dogman and Jessica Chastain for Mexican auteur Michel Franco’s Memory. These films will all be screened at the festival on separate days. These movies have been allowed to rope in actors for promotions as these are indie movies.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-kanye-wests-embarrassing-wardrobe-malfunction-sparks-outrage-online-630621">Kanye West's embarrassing wardrobe malfunction sparks outrage online</a>

The Venice Film Festival runs from August 30 to September 9.&nbsp;

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The Venice Film Festival kickstarted today (August 30) but with no star power to back up the red-carpet glam. The film festival opted to open with the World War II drama Comandante by young Italian auteur Edoardo De Angelis instead of Zendaya-led Challengers by Luca Guadagnino.

The Venice Film Festival kickstarted today (August 30) but with no star power to back up the red-carpet glam. The film festival opted to open with the World War II drama Comandante by young Italian auteur Edoardo De Angelis instead of Zendaya-led Challengers by Luca Guadagnino. The latter was supposed to open the 80th annual Venice Film Festival, but owing to SAG-AFTRA strikes, another film was picked for the opening day. Comandante is mostly set on a submarine. The film got a brief 90-second standing ovation as actor Pierfrancesco Favino who plays naval officer Salvatore Todaro took a bow. No stars at Venice Film Festival on opening day The Venice Film Festival looked rather dull with no stars gracing the red carpet. That also affected the crowds outside the event’s entrance. The biggest cheers went to Damien Chazelle, who is presiding over the Venice jury. During the day’s first press conference, Chazelle and fellow juror Martin McDonagh expressed support for the ongoing writers’ and actors’ strikes in Hollywood, sporting a Writers Guild on Strike shirt and pin. Also read: Selena Gomez deletes post on Only Murders... show after being accused of breaking SAG-AFTRA strike rules Meanwhile, Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera emphasised that despite no actors being allowed to do promotional campaigns for their films as part of SAG-AFTRA rules, we will get to see actors like Adam Driver attend the festival for his upcoming film Ferrari. There will also be Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi for Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Caleb Landry Jones for Luc Besson’s Dogman and Jessica Chastain for Mexican auteur Michel Franco’s Memory. These films will all be screened at the festival on separate days. These movies have been allowed to rope in actors for promotions as these are indie movies. Also read: Kanye West's embarrassing wardrobe malfunction sparks outrage online The Venice Film Festival runs from August 30 to September 9. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Venice Film Festival switches Zendaya's Challengers for Comandante for opening day

Abhishek Banerjee starrer Stolen will be showcased at the World Premiere section of the Venice Film Festival 2023. Stolen is India's only entry at the prestigious film festival this year which will take place from August 30 - September 9.&nbsp; 
 
A suspense thriller helmed by debutant Karan Tejpal,&nbsp;Stolen will be showcased alongside impressive international features, notably David Fincher's The Killer, Bradley Cooper's Maestro&nbsp;and Sofia Coppola's true-story movie Priscilla.

Talking about the film representing at the prestigious film festival, Abhishek said, ''Stolen representing India at the prestigious Venice Film Festiva is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I am honoured beyond words. This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend borders. I am eagerly anticipating how audiences on the global stage will connect with our film."

Speaking on his character in the film, Abhishek added, "The character I portray is vastly different from who I am in real life. It compelled me to delve into the depths of human emotions and experiences, demanding a level of authenticity and vulnerability that pushed me beyond my comfort zone."

About the film Stolen 
 
Set in a remote rural railway station in India, Stolen&nbsp;tells the gripping tale of a five-month-old baby abducted from her mother.&nbsp;

This dark and grievous incident draws the attention of two brothers in the city, Gautam and Raman, leading them into a labyrinth of challenges that test their relationships and convictions.

Director Karan Tejpal, who started his career as an assistant director with Lage Raho Munna Bhai,&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"The Festival has a rich history of showcasing remarkable films that have left a mark on the world of cinema, and we are honoured to be in such esteemed company."

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Abhishek Banerjee starrer Stolen will be showcased at the World Premiere section of the Venice Film Festival 2023. Stolen is India's only entry at the prestigious film festival this year which will take place from August 30 - September 9.

Abhishek Banerjee starrer Stolen will be showcased at the World Premiere section of the Venice Film Festival 2023. Stolen is India's only entry at the prestigious film festival this year which will take place from August 30 - September 9. A suspense thriller helmed by debutant Karan Tejpal, Stolen will be showcased alongside impressive international features, notably David Fincher's The Killer, Bradley Cooper's Maestro and Sofia Coppola's true-story movie Priscilla. Talking about the film representing at the prestigious film festival, Abhishek said, ''Stolen representing India at the prestigious Venice Film Festiva is undoubtedly a monumental achievement. I am honoured beyond words. This recognition underscores the power of storytelling and its ability to transcend borders. I am eagerly anticipating how audiences on the global stage will connect with our film." Speaking on his character in the film, Abhishek added, "The character I portray is vastly different from who I am in real life. It compelled me to delve into the depths of human emotions and experiences, demanding a level of authenticity and vulnerability that pushed me beyond my comfort zone." About the film Stolen Set in a remote rural railway station in India, Stolen tells the gripping tale of a five-month-old baby abducted from her mother. This dark and grievous incident draws the attention of two brothers in the city, Gautam and Raman, leading them into a labyrinth of challenges that test their relationships and convictions. Director Karan Tejpal, who started his career as an assistant director with Lage Raho Munna Bhai, said, "The Festival has a rich history of showcasing remarkable films that have left a mark on the world of cinema, and we are honoured to be in such esteemed company." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Abhishek Banerjee's Stolen is India's sole entry at Venice Film Festival 2023

The Venice Film Festival celebrates its 80th edition next week, but a Hollywood strike means many stars may be missing, leaving the spotlight to controversial directors like Roman Polanski and Woody Allen. The festival, which kicks off on Wednesday, has become a key launchpad for Oscar campaigns, helped by glamorous shots of stars arriving by gondola.&nbsp;

But an ongoing strike by Hollywood actors and writers, the biggest industry walk-out in more than 60 years, means most are banned from publicity work.

Missing from their Venice premieres will be Emma Stone, who plays a Frankenstein-like creature in Poor Things, and Bradley Cooper, who directs and stars in Maestro&nbsp;about the legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein.&nbsp;

Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, who play the leads in the biopic Ferrari&nbsp;from director Michael Mann (Heat), have an exemption from the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG-AFTRA) because the film was made outside the studio system, but may still stay home in solidarity.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-legendary-game-show-host-bob-barker-passes-away-at-the-age-of-99-629578">Legendary game show host Bob Barker passes away at the age of 99</a>

Nonetheless, the films are still showing and many top-name directors are due to attend as they compete for the top prize, the Golden Lion, to be announced on September 9.

Sofia Coppola presents another biopic, Priscilla, about Elvis Presley's wife, while David Fincher returns to the Lido with The Killer, more than 20 years after Fight Club&nbsp;was loudly booed at the festival only to become a cult hit in the following years.&nbsp;

The only major casualty of the strikes has been Challengers, a tennis romance starring Zendaya that was set as the opening night film but has been delayed to next year.

- 'Don't see the issue' -

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/diplo-cried-at-airport-after-learning-about-his-mothers-death-629494">Diplo cried at airport after learning about his mother's death</a>

With star gossip at a minimum, a lot of attention risks being absorbed by the inclusion of Woody Allen and Roman Polanski in the out-of-competition section.&nbsp;

Allen, 87, was investigated for an alleged assault on his adopted daughter and cleared by police in the 1990s, but that has not been enough for many in the MeToo era, and he has been effectively blackballed by Hollywood.&nbsp;

Polanski, 90, remains a fugitive from the US over a conviction for raping a minor in the 1970s. The victim has long since forgiven him, but he faces other assault allegations. The festival says he is not attending.&nbsp;

French director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), who was recently cleared of rape allegations, is in the main competition with Dogman.

Festival director Alberto Barbera defended their inclusion, telling Variety that Besson and Allen had been cleared by investigators: "With them, I don't see where the issue is."

He acknowledged it was more complex with Polanski, but said: "I am on the side of those who say you have to distinguish between the responsibilities of the individual and that of the artist."

He says Polanski's The Palace is full of "grotesque and surreal characters and aims to satirise humanity", and compared Allen's Coup de Chance, his 50th film and first in French, to his earlier Match Point.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, there are also out-of-competition premiers for a 40-minute Wes Anderson film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, based on a Roald Dahl tale, and a new feature from indie favourite Richard Linklater, Hit Man.&nbsp;

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, the final film from William Friedkin (The Exorcist), who died this month at 87, is also playing out of competition. &nbsp;

Hollywood actors went on strike in July after talks to reach a new deal with studios failed, joining writers who have been striking since May.&nbsp;

Their demands focus on dwindling pay in the streaming era and the threat posed by artificial intelligence.

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The Venice Film Festival celebrates its 80th edition next week, but a Hollywood strike means many stars may be missing, leaving the spotlight to controversial directors like Roman Polanski and Woody Allen.

The Venice Film Festival celebrates its 80th edition next week, but a Hollywood strike means many stars may be missing, leaving the spotlight to controversial directors like Roman Polanski and Woody Allen. The festival, which kicks off on Wednesday, has become a key launchpad for Oscar campaigns, helped by glamorous shots of stars arriving by gondola. But an ongoing strike by Hollywood actors and writers, the biggest industry walk-out in more than 60 years, means most are banned from publicity work. Missing from their Venice premieres will be Emma Stone, who plays a Frankenstein-like creature in Poor Things, and Bradley Cooper, who directs and stars in Maestro about the legendary conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. Adam Driver and Penelope Cruz, who play the leads in the biopic Ferrari from director Michael Mann (Heat), have an exemption from the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG-AFTRA) because the film was made outside the studio system, but may still stay home in solidarity. Also read: Legendary game show host Bob Barker passes away at the age of 99 Nonetheless, the films are still showing and many top-name directors are due to attend as they compete for the top prize, the Golden Lion, to be announced on September 9. Sofia Coppola presents another biopic, Priscilla, about Elvis Presley's wife, while David Fincher returns to the Lido with The Killer, more than 20 years after Fight Club was loudly booed at the festival only to become a cult hit in the following years. The only major casualty of the strikes has been Challengers, a tennis romance starring Zendaya that was set as the opening night film but has been delayed to next year. - 'Don't see the issue' - Also read: Diplo cried at airport after learning about his mother's death With star gossip at a minimum, a lot of attention risks being absorbed by the inclusion of Woody Allen and Roman Polanski in the out-of-competition section. Allen, 87, was investigated for an alleged assault on his adopted daughter and cleared by police in the 1990s, but that has not been enough for many in the MeToo era, and he has been effectively blackballed by Hollywood. Polanski, 90, remains a fugitive from the US over a conviction for raping a minor in the 1970s. The victim has long since forgiven him, but he faces other assault allegations. The festival says he is not attending. French director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element), who was recently cleared of rape allegations, is in the main competition with Dogman. Festival director Alberto Barbera defended their inclusion, telling Variety that Besson and Allen had been cleared by investigators: "With them, I don't see where the issue is." He acknowledged it was more complex with Polanski, but said: "I am on the side of those who say you have to distinguish between the responsibilities of the individual and that of the artist." He says Polanski's The Palace is full of "grotesque and surreal characters and aims to satirise humanity", and compared Allen's Coup de Chance, his 50th film and first in French, to his earlier Match Point. Meanwhile, there are also out-of-competition premiers for a 40-minute Wes Anderson film, The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar, based on a Roald Dahl tale, and a new feature from indie favourite Richard Linklater, Hit Man. The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, the final film from William Friedkin (The Exorcist), who died this month at 87, is also playing out of competition. Hollywood actors went on strike in July after talks to reach a new deal with studios failed, joining writers who have been striking since May. Their demands focus on dwindling pay in the streaming era and the threat posed by artificial intelligence. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fewer stars, more scandal at 80th Venice Film Festival

Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera has opened up about the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the festival in a recent interview with Variety. He also discussed the exclusion of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, and the presence of controversial directors Roman Polanski and Woody Allen at this year's edition of the festival. Both Polanski and Allen stand accused of sexual crimes against children. Polanski even pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, but has evaded justice and is a fugitive in the United States. Allen, who is accused of sexually abusing his adopted daughter, has never been prosecuted.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-venice-film-festival-unveils-a-list-lineup-with-priscilla-ferrari-maestro-amid-strikes-619340">Venice Film Festival unveils A-list lineup with Priscilla, Ferrari, Maestro amid strikes</a>

<h2>Dealing with the SAG-AFTRA strike</h2>

Barbera revealed that the possibility of the SAG-AFTRA strike impacting the festival was not initially foreseen. He said, "Not before it was officially called. The day after it was called, conversations started about the negative repercussions it could have on festivals. At first, it seemed it was going to be devastating. Everybody was panicking. Even more than us, it was all the producers, the studios, the streamers. For the first few days, there was total silence, we were unable to speak to anyone. We understood that the situation was very complex and threatening. There was a real risk that all the American movies could be pulled. I had closed the lineup, so you can imagine with what spirit I faced the following week. I was ready to throw everything up in the air and rethink everything."

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<h2>On refusing the entry of Luca Guadagnino's Challengers</h2>

"I should not speak for Amazon, MGM, and Warner Bros., but I will tell you briefly how things went. They were the ones who panicked the most. They suffered the most from the strike, and they are the ones with whom I had the most back and forth. The one who was in touch with them daily was Luca, who was furious and did everything to try to convince them not to make the wrong choice. He fought like a lion, up to the bitter end. Last Thursday, I got a call from Sue Kroll [Amazon Studios head of marketing] telling me, “Unfortunately, I have to tell you that the upshot of this infinite discussion is that we have decided to postpone the film’s release to spring 2024.”

<h2>Presence of Roman Polanski and Woody Allen at festival</h2>

"Luc Besson has been recently fully cleared of any accusations. Woody Allen went under legal scrutiny twice at the end of the ’90s and was absolved. With them, I don’t see where the issue is. In Polanski’s case, it’s paradoxical. It’s been 60 years. Polanski has admitted his responsibility. He’s asked to be forgiven. He’s been forgiven by the victim. The victim has asked for the issue to be put to rest. I think that to keep beating on Polanski means seeking a scapegoat for other situations that would deserve more attention. That aside, there is a cultural debate underway about Polanski with less rigid positions being taken. I am on the side of those who say you have to distinguish between the responsibilities of the individual and that of the artist. Also, I am a festival director, not a judge. I judge the artistic qualities of films. And from this perspective, I don’t see why I should not invite Polanski’s film to Venice."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-drug-dealer-carlos-macci-sentenced-to-25-years-for-actor-michael-k-williams-death-619557">Drug dealer Carlos Macci sentenced to 2.5 years for actor Michael K Williams' death</a>

<h2>What is the Venice International Film Festival?</h2>

The Venice International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. It takes place annually in Venice, Italy, and has been running since 1932. The festival is part of the "Big Three" film festivals, along with the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, collectively considered among the most influential and important film events globally.

Organised by La Biennale di Venezia, the Venice Film Festival serves as a platform for showcasing a wide array of international films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. The festival's primary objective is to promote and celebrate the art of cinema while supporting the development of the film industry and fostering cultural exchange among filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts.

This year, the festival runs from August 30 to September 9. 
 
&nbsp;

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Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera has opened up about the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the festival in a recent interview with Variety.

Venice Film Festival Artistic Director Alberto Barbera has opened up about the impact of the SAG-AFTRA strike on the festival in a recent interview with Variety. He also discussed the exclusion of filmmaker Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, and the presence of controversial directors Roman Polanski and Woody Allen at this year's edition of the festival. Both Polanski and Allen stand accused of sexual crimes against children. Polanski even pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor, but has evaded justice and is a fugitive in the United States. Allen, who is accused of sexually abusing his adopted daughter, has never been prosecuted. Also Read: Venice Film Festival unveils A-list lineup with Priscilla, Ferrari, Maestro amid strikes Dealing with the SAG-AFTRA strike Barbera revealed that the possibility of the SAG-AFTRA strike impacting the festival was not initially foreseen. He said, "Not before it was officially called. The day after it was called, conversations started about the negative repercussions it could have on festivals. At first, it seemed it was going to be devastating. Everybody was panicking. Even more than us, it was all the producers, the studios, the streamers. For the first few days, there was total silence, we were unable to speak to anyone. We understood that the situation was very complex and threatening. There was a real risk that all the American movies could be pulled. I had closed the lineup, so you can imagine with what spirit I faced the following week. I was ready to throw everything up in the air and rethink everything." On refusing the entry of Luca Guadagnino's Challengers "I should not speak for Amazon, MGM, and Warner Bros., but I will tell you briefly how things went. They were the ones who panicked the most. They suffered the most from the strike, and they are the ones with whom I had the most back and forth. The one who was in touch with them daily was Luca, who was furious and did everything to try to convince them not to make the wrong choice. He fought like a lion, up to the bitter end. Last Thursday, I got a call from Sue Kroll [Amazon Studios head of marketing] telling me, “Unfortunately, I have to tell you that the upshot of this infinite discussion is that we have decided to postpone the film’s release to spring 2024.” Presence of Roman Polanski and Woody Allen at festival "Luc Besson has been recently fully cleared of any accusations. Woody Allen went under legal scrutiny twice at the end of the ’90s and was absolved. With them, I don’t see where the issue is. In Polanski’s case, it’s paradoxical. It’s been 60 years. Polanski has admitted his responsibility. He’s asked to be forgiven. He’s been forgiven by the victim. The victim has asked for the issue to be put to rest. I think that to keep beating on Polanski means seeking a scapegoat for other situations that would deserve more attention. That aside, there is a cultural debate underway about Polanski with less rigid positions being taken. I am on the side of those who say you have to distinguish between the responsibilities of the individual and that of the artist. Also, I am a festival director, not a judge. I judge the artistic qualities of films. And from this perspective, I don’t see why I should not invite Polanski’s film to Venice." Also Read: Drug dealer Carlos Macci sentenced to 2.5 years for actor Michael K Williams' death What is the Venice International Film Festival? The Venice International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the world. It takes place annually in Venice, Italy, and has been running since 1932. The festival is part of the "Big Three" film festivals, along with the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, collectively considered among the most influential and important film events globally. Organised by La Biennale di Venezia, the Venice Film Festival serves as a platform for showcasing a wide array of international films, including feature films, documentaries, and short films. The festival's primary objective is to promote and celebrate the art of cinema while supporting the development of the film industry and fostering cultural exchange among filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts. This year, the festival runs from August 30 to September 9. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Venice Film Festival chief on Roman Polanski & Woody Allen's presence: I don’t see the issue