The Venice Film Festival is renowned for showcasing diverse stories from regions affected by conflict and various challenges. This year’s Giornate Degli Autori, an independent segment of the festival, will kick off with the poignant documentary “Reminiscence,” directed by Ukrainian-born filmmaker Vladlena Sandu. This autobiographical work delves into her harrowing childhood experiences amidst the war-torn backdrop of Chechnya, reflecting the profound impact of conflict on personal narratives.
The lineup for the Giornate Degli Autori features an impressive array of 10 world premieres, notably all of which are non-English language films. These cinematic works originate from a rich tapestry of countries such as Iran, Lebanon, Kenya, Lithuania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mexico, Spain, Greece, and Italy, showcasing the global nature of storytelling and the universal themes of resilience and hope that arise from adversity.
Among the noteworthy contenders is another gripping narrative from Germany-based Russian filmmaker Nastia Korkia, titled “A Quick Summer.” This film intricately explores the Chechnyan conflict through the eyes of eight-year-old Katya, who embarks on a vacation with her grandparents just as war disrupts their lives forever. This poignant tale encapsulates the innocence of childhood in stark contrast with the harsh realities of war.
“The selected films frequently center on themes of life, the intricacies of relationships, and the journey to process grief as a means of transcending hardship,” stated Gaia Furrer, the section’s creative director, in a recent statement. “We aim to illustrate the struggle to perceive the world as a welcoming space despite the distances created by exile and loss.” This focus on the human experience resonates strongly with audiences, inviting deep emotional engagement.
Spanish director Gabriel Azorín also enters the competition with his debut feature, “Last Night I Conquered the City of Thebes.” This film uniquely intertwines elements from both Roman history and modern times, where two contemporary youths meet two soldiers from the first century A.D. at the same location: the thermal springs, under the cover of night. The creative narrative explores timeless themes of love and conflict across different eras, drawing parallels between past and present.
Competing films also include the compelling work of Zurich-born Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser, titled “Memory of Princess Mumbi.” This dystopian fable is set in the year 2093 within an imagined Africa, focusing on a young filmmaker who embarks on a quest to document a global conflict that erupted two decades prior. The film serves as a reflection on memory, identity, and the scars left by war, contributing to the broader dialogue about the future of storytelling in times of crisis.
Two notable documentaries hail from Iran: “Old Future Continuous,” co-directed by Firouzeh Khosrovani and Morteza Ahmadvand, which tells the story of a woman who fled Iran following the Islamic Revolution and now can only observe her family through surveillance cameras in their home in Tehran. Additionally, Amir Azizi presents “Inside Amir,” a heartfelt exploration of Tehran as a love letter to the city and a personal journey through the uncertainties faced when contemplating leaving one’s homeland.
Other standout films include “La Gioia,” directed by Nicolangelo Gelormini and featuring acclaimed actors Valeria Golino and Jasmine Trinca. This film, Gelormini’s second feature, is inspired by the true story of a turbulent love affair between a teacher and a student, showcasing the complexities of passion and educational dynamics. Gelormini previously worked as an assistant to Paolo Sorrentino and directed the critically acclaimed series “The Art of Joy,” which made waves at Cannes last year. “La Gioia” translates to “Joy,” signifying the film’s exploration of emotional highs in tumultuous situations.
Notably, the jury for this year’s festival will be presided over by Dag Johan Haugerud, the esteemed director who won the Berlin Golden Bear for his film “Dreams (Sex Love).” His presence on the jury adds significant prestige to the festival, promising a discerning selection of award recipients based on artistic merit and innovation.
Among other noteworthy titles outside of the competition, Claire Simon presents her documentary “In Writing Life,” which offers a compelling portrait of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Annie Ernaux through the reflections of French high school students reading her works. This innovative approach creates a unique dialogue between literature and the youth, emphasizing the impact of literary narratives on new generations.
Short films directed by Joanna Hogg and Alice Diop will also be featured as part of the Prada-commissioned Miu Miu Women’s Tales, a series dedicated to highlighting female perspectives in filmmaking. These shorts reflect the evolving landscape of cinema and the importance of diverse voices in storytelling.
The 22nd edition of the Venice Days will take place from August 27 to September 6, coinciding with the official Venice Film Festival selections. This event promises to be a significant celebration of global cinema and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. For a complete lineup of films, see below.
EXCITING FILMS IN COMPETITION AT VENICE DAYS
“Last Night I Conquered the City of Thebes,” directed by Gabriel Azorín
“Arkoudotrypa” (“Bearcave”), directed by Stergios Dinopoulos and Krysianna B. Papadakis
“Daroon-E Amir” (“Inside Amir”), directed by Amir Azizi
“La Gioia,” directed by Nicolangelo Gelormini
“Reminiscence,” directed by Vladlena Sandu – Opening Film
“Memory of Princess Mumbi,” directed by Damien Hauser
“Old Future Continuous,” co-directed by Morteza Ahmadvand and Firouzeh Khosrovani
“A Sad and Beautiful World,” directed by Cyril Aris
“Quick Summer,” directed by Nastia Korkia
“Vanilla,” directed by Mayra Hermosillo
NOTABLE FILMS OUT OF COMPETITION
“Come ti muovi, sbagli” (“Damned if You Do, Damned if You Don’t”), directed by Gianni Di Gregorio
SPECIAL EVENTS TO WATCH FOR
“Do You Love Me,” directed by Lana Daher
“Writing Life – Annie Ernaux Through the Eyes of High School Students,” directed by Claire Simon
“I Want Her Dead,” directed by Gianluca Matarrese
“Laguna,” directed by Sharunas Bartas
“Who’s Still Alive,” directed by Nicolas Wadimoff
WOMEN’S TALES PROJECT (shorts) IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PRADA’S MIU MIU LABEL
“Autobiografia di una borsetta” (“Autobiography of a Purse”), directed by Joanna Hogg
“Fragments for Venus,” directed by Alice Diop
