VENICE, Italy (AP) — The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is about to begin, with major Hollywood films and stars expected in Italy. The festival kicks off Wednesday with the world premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” before it opens in theaters worldwide next week. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is the Venice International Film Festival? One of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, second only to Cannes, Venice’s festival is also technically the oldest. It is now a reliably starry affair, gathering some of the best films in international cinema. It was established in 1932, then a non-competitive event, by the La Biennale di Venezia, hosting films like “Grand Hotel” and “It Happened One Night.
” By 1935, they decided to make it an annual happening. The Golden Lion award wouldn’t be introduced until 1949 (“Rashômon” won in 1951). Other winners throughout history include “Belle de jour” (1967), “Au revoir les enfants” (1987), “Brokeback Mountain” (2005), “Somewhere” (2010) and, last year: “Poor Things.
” A film market was added in 2012, also a year that festival director Alberto Barbera attributes to its turnaround as an important destination for awards hopefuls. When is the Venice Film Festival? The festival kicks off on Aug. 28 with the premiere of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” and runs through Sept.
7, when the awards will be announced. RELATED COVERAGE Venice Film Festival: From ‘Joker 2’ to ‘M.