Venice Film Festival is the latest cinema event hit by today’s political controversy. The 83rd edition suddenly announced the cancellation of the opening press conference due to “scheduling conflicts” but instead will have a press cocktail for attending journalist. Is this a consolation prize or are the organizers are ducking for cover? It is no secret film festivals have become lighting rods of geopolitical headlines with questions being asked on the global conflicts. After February’s Berlinale near crash, then Cannes, the world’s oldest film fest decided on a strategy of avoidance.
Alberto Barbera’s 2026 line up looks solid with films from directors Casey Affleck, Danny Boyle and Werner Herzog. Yet, the move to cancel the opening conference with the jury members feels dire for the future of these gatherings as interactions will become increasingly more difficult, journalist may forgo the expenses of attending. There is now uncertainty on how other conferences will be handled. Understandably no actor wants to get a gotcha question concerning one cause or another. A viral moment could wreck a film’s chance before the release. Yet, without interviews or the very least quotes from stars, a festival value diminishes to reporters.
The Venice Film Festival starts September 2nd with Maggie Gyllenhaal as jury head.