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Venice Film Festival Critics’ Week: A deep dive into the eclectic lineup
The Venice Film Festival has always been a beacon for cinephiles, and this year’s Critics’ Week promises to be no different. With a diverse array of films that span genres and continents, the 81st edition is set to captivate audiences from August 28 to September 7. Let’s delve into the intriguing lineup and explore the stories and talents that will grace the screen.
Michael Premo’s “Homegrown”: A raw look at American extremism
Brooklyn-born journalist and filmmaker Michael Premo brings a hard-hitting documentary, “Homegrown,” to the festival. Known for his involvement in Occupy Wall Street and Occupy Sandy, Premo turns his lens on a group of white supremacist Donald Trump supporters. The film follows them from the 2020 campaign trail to the infamous attack on the U.S. Capitol. This documentary promises to be a gripping exploration of contemporary American politics and extremism. Watch the trailer.
Aude Léa Rapin’s “Planet B”: A cyberpunk odyssey
Opening the out-of-competition section is “Planet B,” directed by French filmmaker Aude Léa Rapin. Starring Adèle Exarchopoulos, known for her role in “Blue Is the Warmest Color,” this cyberpunk sci-fi film is set in 2039 France. It follows a group of political activists who vanish without a trace, only to reawaken in an entirely unfamiliar world. The film promises a blend of political intrigue and futuristic adventure. Watch the trailer.
Milad Tangshir’s “Anywhere Anytime”: A modern-day “Bicycle Thieves”
Italian drama “Anywhere Anytime,” directed by Iran-born Milad Tangshir, is a poignant tale reminiscent of Vittorio De Sica’s classic “Bicycle Thieves.” The film tells the story of a young illegal immigrant in Turin who becomes a food-delivery rider, only to have his bike stolen. This narrative promises to be a touching exploration of survival and resilience. Watch the trailer.
Dương Diệu Linh’s “Don’t Cry, Butterfly”: A tale of betrayal
Vietnamese director Dương Diệu Linh brings “Don’t Cry, Butterfly,” a film about a wedding venue staffer who discovers her husband’s betrayal on live TV. This emotional rollercoaster is set to captivate audiences with its raw portrayal of love and deceit. Watch the trailer.
Alexandra Simpson’s “No Sleep Till”: Atmospheric drama in Florida
French-American filmmaker Alexandra Simpson debuts with “No Sleep Till,” an atmospheric drama set in Florida. The film promises to be a deep dive into the complexities of human relationships and the haunting beauty of the Floridian landscape. Watch the trailer.
Jethro Massey’s “Paul and Paulette Take a Bath”: A morbid road trip
British-French filmmaker Jethro Massey presents “Paul and Paulette Take a Bath,” a rom-com about a young American photographer and a French girl with a taste for the macabre. Their morbid road trip promises to be a unique blend of humor and dark themes. Watch the trailer.
Bernhard Wenger’s “Peacock”: A tragicomedy with Albrecht Schuch
Austrian filmmaker Bernhard Wenger’s “Peacock” stars German actor Albrecht Schuch, known for “All Quiet on the Western Front.” This tragicomedy is set to explore the absurdities of life with a touch of humor and pathos. Watch the trailer.
Muhammed Hamdy’s “Perfumed With Mint”: An allegorical debut
Egyptian cinematographer Muhammed Hamdy makes his directorial debut with “Perfumed With Mint,” an allegorical film that promises to be a visual and emotional feast. Watch the trailer.
Lawrence Valin’s “Little Jaffna”: A fast-paced thriller
Closing the out-of-competition section is “Little Jaffna,” directed by French filmmaker Lawrence Valin. Set in the heart of the Parisian Tamil community, this fast-paced thriller promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Watch the trailer.
A reflection on the Venice Critics’ Week selection
Beatrice Fiorentino, the general delegate of Venice Critics’ Week, describes the selection as a blend of “both genre and arthouse cinema” with a “realistic, documentary, sometimes ironic style,” often using the prism of magic realism. This eclectic mix ensures that there is something for every cinephile, from hard-hitting documentaries to whimsical rom-coms.
As we await the official selection lineup for the Venice Film Festival, the Critics’ Week entries already promise a rich tapestry of stories and styles. Each film offers a unique lens through which to view the world, inviting audiences to reflect, question, and dream.
