VeneziaCinema has produced a guide for Venezia da Vivere with useful advice for those attending the Venice International Film Festival
For over ten years, Venezia da Vivere has been covering the Film Festival. Much information can be found online, but other insights are gathered through experience, word of mouth, or by asking for advice on the ground from “veterans” who never miss an edition.
We have selected practical information for those attending #Venezia81, which promises to be one of the richest festivals in recent years.
How to get there
The easiest way to reach the Film Festival is via the special lines that ACTV, the city’s transport company, operates during the event.
From Tuesday, August 27, until the end of the event, Line 20, which normally connects San Zaccaria to the islands of San Servolo and San Lazzaro degli Armeni, is extended to the Lido Casino.
From Wednesday, August 28, the “Mostra del Cinema” (MC) Line will be active, connecting Ferrovia, P.le Roma, Zattere, and San Marco – San Zaccaria to Lido Casinò – Mostra del Cinema every 20 minutes, from 4:44 PM until 1:04 AM.
Additionally, a shuttle bus is available from Lido – Santa Maria Elisabetta to reach the Festival area.
Schedules and further information can be found on the website: ACTV.
Where it takes place
The main area is adjacent to the Palazzo del Cinema, stretching approximately from the Palazzo del Casinò to the Hotel Excelsior Venice.
The Palazzo del Cinema houses the main screening rooms: Sala Grande and Sala Darsena. In front of the building is the famous red carpet, visible from the street. Other screening rooms are located in the Palazzo del Casinò, which also hosts press conferences and photocalls (for industry professionals).
Other screening rooms are located outside this area: the PalaBiennale and Sala Corinto in via Sandro Gallo, and Cinema Astra in via Corfù 12.
Please note: not all spaces are accessible to the public without specific accreditation. For security reasons, entry to the Festival areas is exclusively through checkpoints subject to screening. The Festival areas are closed to traffic, and bicycles must be walked by hand.
All details can be found in the opening pages of the program, which can be downloaded at: labiennale.org.
How to watch the films
Tickets for the public can be purchased online at the Vivaticket website.
For the most anticipated films, ticket availability runs out quickly, often selling out within minutes of going on sale. However, one of the most beautiful experiences of the International Film Festival is also trying to see a film by an unknown director or cast, often originating from distant countries.
Remember that films starring Hollywood actors or works by the most well-known Italian directors will be available in theaters or on streaming platforms shortly after.
Small gems from other cinematic worlds (Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe…) will be much harder to find later.
The most expensive tickets (from 20 to 50 euros) are for the Sala Grande, with the cast present in the theater (for those who manage to find them!). Tickets for screenings in other rooms generally range from 10 to 22 euros.
If you still do not want to miss the performances of Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt, or the latest Almodóvar, you can look for a ticket in the cinemas of Venice and Mestre. From August 29 to September 8, the most anticipated films of the Festival will also be screened at Cinema Rossini and Cinema Giorgione in Venice, at Cinema Astra on the Lido, and at Candiani in Mestre. Admission rates for these screenings are: full ticket 8 euros, or passes for 5 films of your choice (at each venue) on sale for 35 euros.
Info and tickets at: ccvenezia.18tickets.it and imgcinemas.it.
Access to all screenings of Notti Veneziane (Sala Laguna, via Pietro Buratti 1, Lido di Venezia, from August 29 to September 6, 2024), organized in collaboration with Isola Edipo, is free of charge while seats last and is possible exclusively through direct booking on the website giornatedegliautori.com.
Finally, we remind you that a selection of films is available to view online on the mymovies.it platform from August 28 to September 10.
How to see movie stars up close
The area around the Palazzo del Cinema, as well as the Hotel Excelsior, is not accessible without accreditation or an invitation. It is even more difficult to meet stars near the hotels (not recommended!).
At the Lido, you can position yourself on the large terrace overlooking the Hotel Excelsior dock. From there, you can see the water taxis arriving. Most of the time, journalists, hotel guests, or production company members disembark. But then, suddenly, you might see George Clooney smiling and waving before stepping off the boat. On these still-warm days, it is useful to have a hat and some water.
Following the Festival program, pay attention to the afternoon and evening screenings in the Sala Grande: about half an hour before the start of each screening, the casts walk the red carpet. A suggestion: if Lady Gaga or Brad Pitt are scheduled to appear, be patient and arrive a few hours early!
Often along the road from the Excelsior to the Palazzo del Cinema, before the evening red carpets, you can encounter many Italian celebrities. In past years, we have seen Annalisa, Elodie, Lazza, and many others this way. You just have to cross your fingers!
The greatest thrill is the chance encounter. It has happened to us a few times: on the street, having coffee, or at a bar table. These are special meetings. Obviously, there is no specific advice to give, other than not to be intrusive and to enjoy the moment.
How to organize your time
Keep in mind that the area around the Palazzo del Cinema is highly secured: access is through gates where personal items are checked. During peak hours, these checks can take time. Therefore, you should not arrive at the last minute, even if you have a ticket.
Naturally, it is recommended not to bring pocket knives, sharp objects, sprays, or other items that would not be allowed on a plane. There are also metal detectors at the gates for everyone’s safety.
For eating, or for a coffee or a spritz, there is no shortage of refreshment points in the Festival area (even if time is often short). Sometimes it is pleasant to venture around the Lido in search of “your” favorite spot, to be rediscovered every time you return to the Lido.
Dress Code
The Dress Code applies to parties, red carpets, and for professionals working at the Festival.
However, we recommend comfortable clothing and shoes… and perhaps a sweatshirt in your bag, in case the air conditioning is too strong.
We hope to have answered many questions, and perhaps provided some useful information even for those who have already visited the Lido Festival. Wishing you an “Enjoyable film festival,” we remind you to follow us on our social media channels!
Article by Pietro Gallina of VeneziaCinema.com
Photos © Rossana Viola, Igor Serdyukov, and Lucia Pecoraro.
