30 August � 9 September 2006
The world�s oldest film festival is on again. The Venice Film Festival is a part of Venice Biennale, and promotes the awareness of all aspects of international cinema; cinema as art, as entertainment, as an industry. The big names are all there, so are the big films and the big moments� from all over the world. This film festival is right up with the Oscars and Cannes � and it�s main prize, the Leone d�Oro sits right up there with Hollywood�s golden man.This year, the 63rd Venice Film Festival will be held during 30 August � 9 September 2006 � same time, same place as always. Films will also be shown in cinemas all over Venice, but the main action is always at the historic Palazzo del Cinema, on the Venice Lido.
This year, the festival includes the following official sections:
+ Venezia 63: In Competition. Golden Lion Competitiors
+ Venezia 63: Out of Competition. Important cinematic works from the year
+ Corto Cortissimo: International short film festival
+ Orizzonti: a section that is a platform for new trends
Running alongside these official sections, there will also be International Critics� Week, Venice Days, and Film Marketplace.
You can expect to see names like Kenneth Branagh, Meryl Streep, and Nicholas Cage, to directors Spike Lee and Oliver Stone; alongside Ming-Liang Tsai and newcomers to the competition, Apichatpong Weerasethakul from Thailand.
The opening ceremony on August 30, hosted by Italian actress, Isabella Ferarri, is sure to be packed with stars. It also includes the World premiere of The Black Dahlia, by director Brian De Palma. Like chasing the stars? Then make sure that you�re in Venice at the end of this month! But then again, who needs an excuse to visit Venice?
