I’m writing this from the beating heart of the Venice Film Festival, and let me tell you—there’s nowhere else on earth quite like this. For film lovers, Venice isn’t just a festival; it’s an event that feels suspended between dream and reality. Maybe it’s the geography—this labyrinth of canals, bridges, palazzos and piazzas, where the very act of arriving at a screening involves gliding across the lagoon on a boat. Or maybe it’s the history: Venice is the oldest film festival in the world, and arguably still the most prestigious. Cannes may have its Croisette, but Venice has the lagoon—an entire city floating like a mirage, hosting cinema’s brightest talents.
The buzz this year is electric. The roster is packed with films from some of the most acclaimed filmmakers working today. A City Like No Other
I’m writing this from the Venice Film Festival, and it feels magical. Venice is not only one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world—it’s also the most unique. The city itself makes the event unforgettable. You don’t walk to screenings here, you glide across the lagoon by boat. The canals, bridges, and palaces create a setting that feels like a movie before you even step into the theater.
A Lineup of Masters
This year’s program is overflowing with celebrated filmmakers. Jim Jarmusch, Paolo Sorrentino, François Ozon, Olivier Assayas, Luca Guadagnino, Park Chan-wook, Yorgos Lanthimos, and Gus Van Sant all have films in competition. Each screening carries the sense that something remarkable could happen. The excitement in the air is real.
Hot Ticket Premieres
The festival also delivers some of the most talked-about premieres. Guillermo del Toro returns with Frankenstein, which promises his trademark gothic style. Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite is already sparking debate as a sharp political thriller. Benny Safdie, working solo, brings The Smashing Machine, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. That casting alone has audiences buzzing.
Legends on the Lido
Werner Herzog is here with his new documentary Ghost of Elephants. He will also receive the honorary Golden Lion. Francis Ford Coppola will present the award, making the moment even more historic. These are the kinds of encounters that Venice does best—legendary filmmakers sharing the stage in a city built for drama. Coppola will also be at hand for the premiere of Megadoc – a new documentary that charts the making of his 2024 film, Megalopolis, directed by Mike Figgis.
Hollywood Stars Arrive
The glamour doesn’t stop with the auteurs. George Clooney has arrived for the premiere of Jay Kelly, directed by Noah Baumbach and co-starring Adam Sandler. The red carpet sparkles with flashbulbs, and early talk suggests the film could be a crowd favourite.
The Magic of Venice
As I watch the lights shimmer on the water, I can’t help but think the real star of the festival is Venice itself. The city is romantic, mysterious, and cinematic at every turn. Every gondola ride and every reflection off the lagoon feels like part of the story.
The Venice Film Festival reminds me why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. It blends glamour, history, and discovery in a way no other festival can match. Here, every premiere feels like history being made.
—Paul