Venice film festival opens with politics and Hollywood glamour

Wednesday 27 August 2025 - 07:55

By: Sahili Aya

Venice film festival opens with politics and Hollywood glamour

The Venice International Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film events in the world, opens its 82nd edition this Wednesday with a strong political undertone and the promise of Hollywood star power. The festival, which runs until September 6, will showcase films tackling sensitive global issues alongside high-profile premieres.

This year’s competition opens with La Grazia, the latest work by acclaimed Italian director Paolo Sorrentino, featuring actor Toni Servillo. But much of the attention is also focused on Gaza, with the inclusion of The Voice of Hind Rajab by Kaouther Ben Hania, a film recounting the tragic death of a six-year-old girl during the war in Gaza. Activists and filmmakers have called on the festival to take a clear stance on the conflict, although the festival’s artistic director, Alberto Barbera, emphasized that Venice remains a space for dialogue rather than direct political statements.

Hollywood is also shining on the Lido this year, with appearances expected from George Clooney, Emma Stone, Julia Roberts, and Dwayne Johnson. Johnson stars in The Smashing Machine, a film exploring the life of an MMA fighter battling addiction, in a role that some critics see as potential Oscar material. The return of celebrated directors such as Gus Van Sant and Kathryn Bigelow adds further anticipation.

The festival also features Olivier Assayas’ Le mage du Kremlin, adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s novel, with Jude Law portraying Vladimir Putin’s rise to power. Meanwhile, Netflix strengthens its presence with three productions in the running for the Golden Lion.

While this edition is marked by diversity, it notably lacks South American films, reflecting ongoing struggles for independent cinema in countries like Brazil and Argentina, where funding cuts have left filmmakers facing major challenges.