Michael Mann as a new jury head of Venice Fest
From August 29 to September 8 public attention to the cinematic world will be riveted to the small island of Lido, where will be held the 69th Venice Film Festival. Chairman of the International Jury will be the Michael Mann director of such films as "Heat", "The Insider," "Ali" and "Public Enemies."
This year's Mostra, as they call the festival in Italy, is undergoing changes. Returned to the post of director Alberto Barbera, who headed the world's oldest film festival from 1998 to 2002. Then 8 years old Venice festival was run by Marco Mueller. During this time, Mostra become a serious competitor of Cannes: competition program has increased the number of famous names, and on the red carpet have appeared a lot of stars.
Muller often criticized in his quest to catch up and overtake the Cannes Film Festival. In particular, last year at the Lido were shown 180 films. Barber is considered too large number of paintings - "for the festival and for its infrastructure." With the latest in Venice problem: last year at the Lido, and there was no construction of a new festival palace, closed one of two five-star hotels, while the remaining Excelsior is closed for renovation in 2013.
As for movies, while this year the Venice shows three times smaller paintings. "In my opinion, reducing the number of films will be the right decision - says Barber. - All tapes will be given good attention and time they deserve. Also, it will raise the quality of the selection to a new height. "
69th year of this festival in Venice promises to be less glamorous and more temperate. Jury Chairman Michael Mann adds seriousness to the festival. American film director, screenwriter and producer for the first time will head international film festival. The guide of Venice Film Festival calls Mann "one of the most influential and representative figures of modern American cinema." By the way, last year's Venice competition participated tape daughter of Michael Mann with the movie "Fields."
There is a possibility that the jury under the direction of Mann's films will be judged of these heavyweights of cinema. Barber mentioned that at the Lido offers new movie, Paul Thomas Anderson ("Master"), Brian De Palma ("Passion") and Terrence Malick ("The Burial"). Among the competitive movies may be the representatives of Colombia, Indonesia, Burma, Costa Rica, Argentina and Thailand.
In the main competition will be shown 18 films in the section "Horizons" - and another 12 ribbons will be presented out of competition. Parallel section of the Italian cinema Contracampo Italiano Barbera eliminated. "Venice began to dump the old skin, so that in a couple of years, it has to rebirth - says Alberto Barbera. - Mostra is similar to the old lady, albeit subtle, but the need of fresh blood. I believe that the festival should be held accountable for their choices, not just to recruit dozens of movies. "
List of participants in the main competition will be known by the end of July.