The 82nd Venice International Film Festival has kicked off bringing notable directors, actors and cinephiles to Lido Island in Italy. Over the years, the Italian film festival has established itself as an official launchpad for acclaimed films that have gone on to win Oscars such as ‘The Shape Of Water’, ‘Nomaland’ and ‘Roma’. In the last five years itself, its Oscars tally has been growing, winning 20 Oscars, a number higher than other film festivals like Cannes (11), Sundance (11), and Toronto (10).

The festival running from August 27 till September 6 this year, has an impressive line-up of films across sections: Venezia 82, Out of Competition, Orizzonti, Venezia Spotlight, Biennale College Cinema, Venice Classics, and Venice Immersive. It will have 21 films competing for the top award, Golden Lion Award (Leone d’Oro), one of the most prestigious film awards in European cinema. Here are some must-watch movie titles to keep an eye on.

 

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Jay Kelly

Director Noah Baumbach’s ‘Jay Kelly’, starring George Clooney, portrays a celebrated film actor going through his triumphs, sacrifices, and regrets. Alongside his loyal manager Ron, he embarks on a whirlwind journey across Europe, where both men confront past choices, fractured relationships, and the legacies they hope to leave behind.

A House of Dynamite

One of six competition movies directed by women, Kathryn Bigelow’s ‘A House of Dynamite’ explores the paradox of a world living under the shadow of nuclear annihilation yet rarely voicing its fears. The plot kicks off when a mysterious missile is launched at the United States, triggering a tense race to uncover its origins and decide how to respond to the crises.

Frankenstein

Director Guillermo del Toro returns to his gothic roots with a bold adaptation of English novelist Mary Shelley’s ‘Frankenstein’. The film reimagines Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant yet hubristic scientist whose horrific creation leads to devastating consequences for both the maker and his creature.

Father Mother Sister Brother

Cate Blanchett reunites with indie auteur Jim Jarmusch in ‘Father Mother Sister Brother.’ Structured as a triptych, the film spans three locations: the U.S. Northeast (Father), Dublin (Mother), and Paris (Sister Brother). With Jarmusch’s signature quiet observation and wry humour, the film offers tender studies of human relationships threaded with melancholy and comedy.

Bugonia

Reuniting Emma Stone with director Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘Bugonia’ is a dark comedy with a satirical edge. Two conspiracy-driven men kidnap a powerful CEO of a notable company, convinced she’s an alien plotting to destroy Earth, only to tumble into chaos and comedy.

Duse

Director Piero Marcello’s ‘Duse’ is a poignant biopic on the legendary Italian stage actress Eleonora Duse. Set between the First World War and the rise of fascism, the film portrays her return to theatre despite the turbulent times against her. “I didn’t want to make a biopic,” says Marcello, “but rather recount the soul of a woman, an artist, in an era of upheaval.”

La Grazia

Opening this year’s festival, Oscar-winning director Paolo Sorrentino’s ‘La Grazia’ stars long-time collaborator Toni Servillo. The story follows the imagined President of Italy, a Catholic widower with a daughter, who must make two critical decisions on pardons before his term ends in two days. As public duty intertwines with private life, moral choices blur into deeply personal dilemmas.

After The Hunt

This #MeToo-inspired thriller featuring Julia Roberts is a tense psychological drama. It unfolds around a college professor (Roberts) dealing with a turning point in both her personal and professional life, after a star student (Ayo Edebiri) makes an accusation against one of her colleague (Andrew Garfield). As the scandal deepens, a buried secret from her own past edges dangerously close to being exposed.

Venice Film Festival Fact-Sheet:

Q: What’s the venue for the Venice Film Festival 2025?

A: Lido Island, Italy

Q: How many films are competing for the Venice Film Festival?

A: 21

Q: What are the dates for the 82nd Venice Film Festival?

A: August 27- September 6, 2025

Q: Which #MeToo-inspired film is featured in Venice Film Festival?

A: After The Hunt

Q: Which is the top honour at Venice Film Festival?

A: Golden Lion Award (Leone d’Oro)