{"id":46396,"date":"2026-09-06T17:59:09","date_gmt":"2026-09-06T15:59:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veneziadavivere.com\/who-makes-cinema-in-venice-festivals-venues-and-protagonists-in-the-lagoon\/"},"modified":"2026-09-06T17:59:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-06T15:59:09","slug":"who-makes-cinema-in-venice-festivals-venues-and-protagonists-in-the-lagoon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veneziadavivere.com\/en\/who-makes-cinema-in-venice-festivals-venues-and-protagonists-in-the-lagoon\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Makes Cinema in Venice? Festivals, Venues, and Protagonists in the Lagoon"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Audience<\/div>\n

The festivals, screenings, venues, and people making cinema in Venice. A guide beyond the Mostra <\/h2>\n

While Venice is a city of cinema thanks in part to the Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia, the world’s oldest film festival, founded in 1932, a much broader scene has grown in Venice, active throughout the year<\/strong>, encompassing independent festivals<\/strong>, screenings, awards, encounters, and projects dedicated to production, research, new technologies, and experimentation, confirming the presence in the city of a vibrant film production ecosystem.<\/p>\n

We have created a guide to cinema in Venice beyond the Mostra, with dates, protagonists, and information: from Isola Edipo<\/strong> at the Lido to Venice Immersive<\/strong> on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, from ONA Film Festival<\/strong> at San Servolo to Cinema Galleggiante<\/strong> at Giudecca and BAIFF<\/strong>, a festival born in Burano exploring works created with artificial intelligence, to educational institutions<\/strong>, Venetian directors<\/strong>, and production companies<\/strong> in the lagoon.<\/p>\n

As part of Venezia da Vivere’s commitment to telling the story of Venice’s future, we aim to make visible a Venetian geography of cinema through its protagonists<\/strong>, new languages, and places: islands, foundations, gardens, cultural spaces, and venues on the water.<\/p>\n

This is an evolving project that will continue to expand with new stories and new perspectives.<\/p>\n

\n \n \"VeniceVenice Immersive empire_at_sea<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"VeniceVenice Immersive Sanctum<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Venice Immersive: Cinema Beyond the Screen<\/h2>\n

September 2\u201312, Lazzaretto Vecchio<\/strong><\/p>\n

Venice Immersive<\/a> is the XR \u2013 Extended Reality<\/strong> section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia: an international project dedicated to immersive media and extended reality<\/strong>, featuring virtual, mixed, and augmented reality, 360\u00b0 video, installations, and digital worlds. The works comprise 68 projects from twenty-six countries, alongside a rich programme of encounters<\/strong>, a unique opportunity to meet creators and producers from this innovative sector. <\/p>\n

Saturday, September 5 at 7:00 PM<\/strong>, the special event La Laguna Parla<\/strong> will take place in the garden of Venice Immersive Island.<\/p>\n

The programme takes place on the Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, 15 minutes from the Palazzo del Cinema area, connected to Riva di Corinto (Lido) by a free shuttle service. The crossing takes approximately 3 minutes. <\/p>\n

The project Of Woman Born<\/strong> by Nalini Malani takes place at Magazzini del Sale n.5<\/strong>, Fondamenta Zattere ai Saloni, Dorsoduro 262, at the Zattere, in Venice, with free admission without reservation, 11:00 AM \u2013 7:00 PM.<\/p>\n

Explore the space and how to get there<\/a><\/p>\n

To participate in Venice Immersive<\/a><\/p>\n

Floating Cinema. Unknown Waters <\/h2>\n

August 26 \u2013 September 13, Giudecca<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the waters behind Giudecca, Cinema Galleggiante \/ Acque Sconosciute is underway, Microclima’s project dedicated to cinema and visual arts on the water.<\/p>\n

The floating screen in front of Sacca Fisola transforms the lagoon into a cinematic space. Every evening: films, artworks, performances, and music. Convivio Acquatico is the event’s kitchen, curated by TOCIA! cucina e comunit\u00e0, offering an on-land gathering space before reaching the floating platform via available boats. <\/p>\n

Every evening DJ sets and live sets with No Stress Radio, curated by Diego Scaggiante, present the local artistic scene.<\/p>\n

Cinema Galleggiante<\/a><\/p>\n

\n \n \"EveningCinema Galleggiante in the lagoon, ph Riccardo Banfi<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"CinemaCinema Galleggiante in the lagoon, ph Riccardo Banfi<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"\" <\/a>\n \n \"\"Isola Edipo Cinema with Edipo Re<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"IsolaIsola Edipo Cinema with Edipo Re<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"\"Isola Edipo Cinema with Edipo Re, ph. Valeria Necchio<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Isola Edipo<\/h2>\n

September 2\u201312, Lido di Venezia<\/strong><\/p>\n

During the same days as the Film Festival, Isola Edipo<\/strong><\/a> takes place, an independent festival promoted by Edipo Re<\/strong><\/a> in collaboration with Le Giornate degli Autori<\/strong> and directed by Silvia Jop<\/strong>. The tenth edition of Isola Edipo, Una risata vi seppellir\u00e0<\/em>, centers on comedy and satire as tools for reading the present. <\/p>\n

Every evening: talks and performances<\/strong>, the Edipo Re Inclusion and Sustainability Award<\/strong>, an official collateral recognition of the Venice International Film Festival, encounters, aperitifs<\/strong>, and a series of events dedicated to cocktails<\/strong>, dinners on the water<\/strong>, and street food<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Isola Edipo programme<\/a><\/p>\n

Frame Her Vision<\/h2>\n

September 7, 11:00 AM \u2013 1:00 PM, Riva di Corinto<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of Isola Edipo, Frame Her Vision returns for its fourth year, a roundtable dedicated to women who are contributing to defining contemporary cinema<\/strong> in front of and behind the camera.<\/p>\n

Presented by Songhay Empire<\/strong>, the encounter brings together professionals in directing, creative leadership, writing, and production<\/strong> to reflect on the role of women in the future of cinema.<\/p>\n

In Venice, the project is supported by FEMS Du Cin\u00e9ma<\/strong>, the Venetian association engaged with issues of female presence in cinema, responsible among other things for Cinema Barchin<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The 2026 edition of Frame Her Vision takes place in the Isola Edipo space at Riva di Corinto.<\/p>\n

To participate: RSVP to contact@framehervision.org<\/a><\/p>\n

Updates and speakers for Frame Her Vision<\/a><\/p>\n

FEMS Du Cin\u00e9ma<\/a><\/p>\n

Venice Production Bridge: Where Films Are Born<\/h2>\n

September 3\u20139, Lido di Venezia<\/strong><\/p>\n

How cinema is financed<\/strong>: during the festival, in the rooms of the Hotel Excelsior<\/strong>, producers, directors, financiers, and international platforms work on the films we will see in the coming years.<\/p>\n

Venice Production Bridge brings together platforms, film commissions, and film industry professionals to accompany projects toward production and the market.<\/p>\n

Venice Production Bridge 2026<\/a>, Hotel Excelsior and Island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, Lido di Venezia<\/p>\n

\n \n \"ProcuratieProcuratie of Piazza San Marco<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"Lights!Lights! Camera! Impact! at the Procuratie in St. Mark's Square. Free admission <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Lights! Camera! Impact! at the Procuratie <\/h2>\n

September 5, 5:00 PM \u2013 7:00 PM<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Home of The Human Safety Net<\/strong> at the Procuratie hosts Lights! Camera! Impact!<\/em>, an encounter dedicated to cinema as a tool for producing change<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The 2026 edition, realized with the Van Leer Foundation<\/strong>, addresses the theme of parenthood. Producers, directors, and screenwriters discuss the role of cinema in telling stories of inclusion and social impact. <\/p>\n

Admission by reservation until capacity is reached.<\/p>\n

Information and reservation for Lights! Camera! Impact! <\/a><\/p>\n

ONA Short Film Festival at San Servolo<\/h2>\n

September 10\u201312, Island of San Servolo<\/strong><\/p>\n

From September 10 to 12, ONA Short Film Festival returns to the island of San Servolo, dedicated to short films that tell stories of outdoor sports, nature, and environmental awareness.<\/p>\n

Screenings and encounters bring together directors, athletes, photographers, and audiences around stories exploring the relationship between people, landscape, and environment.<\/p>\n

Tickets for ONA Short Film Festival<\/a><\/p>\n

Cinema Under the Stars at Giardino Gabrielli<\/h2>\n

Until September 10, Hotel Gabrielli<\/strong><\/p>\n

Giardino Gabrielli hosts an open-air cinema series dedicated to Venice and the stories of Hotel Gabrielli, on the Riva degli Schiavoni.<\/p>\n

The screenings also traverse the hotel’s cultural memory, which over time has welcomed writers, intellectuals, and directors, from Franz Kafka and Sigmund Freud to Wim Wenders.<\/p>\n

To participate, contact the concierge of Hotel Gabrielli.<\/p>\n

Hotel Gabrielli contacts<\/a><\/p>\n

Belonging. Inhabiting Freedom <\/h2>\n

September 28, October 6 and 19<\/strong><\/p>\n

Between September and October, FEMS Du Cin\u00e9ma curates Belonging. Inhabiting Freedom<\/em>, a film series in three events dedicated to gender identity, migration, rights, and self-determination.<\/p>\n

The screenings are accompanied by the presence in the theatre of directors, activists, and experts, creating moments of encounter and dialogue with the audience.<\/p>\n

\n \n \"ONAONA Short Film Festival <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"Ca'Ca' Foscari Short Film Festival<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

BAIFF: Cinema Created with Artificial Intelligence<\/h2>\n

October 13\u201317, Fondazione Querini Stampalia<\/strong><\/p>\n

From October 13 to 17, BAIFF \u2013 Burano Artificial Intelligence Film Festival<\/strong> returns, a festival born in Burano and dedicated to cinematic works created with the aid of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n

The festival observes the entry of generative tools into writing, image production, animation, sound, and post-production.<\/p>\n

The competition admits works in which artificial intelligence has been used for at least 25% of the creative process. Alongside the screenings, encounters and debates are scheduled on the relationship between cinema, art, technology, and new visual languages. <\/p>\n

Founded in 2023, BAIFF is inspired by the figure of Giuseppe Toselli, Bepi Su\u00e0<\/strong>, a film operator who projected films and cartoons in the campiello in front of his house for the inhabitants of Burano.<\/p>\n

Info and tickets<\/a><\/p>\n

Cinema in Venice Throughout the Year<\/h2>\n

Throughout the year, festivals, screenings, and projects create opportunities for encounter among audiences, students, directors, associations, and professionals. In spring, the Ca’ Foscari Short Film Festival<\/a> brings to Venice short films made by students and young authors from film schools around the world, with a programme distributed across various locations in the city. <\/p>\n

In summer, cinema returns to the water with Cinema Barch-in<\/strong> and Cinema Galleggiante<\/strong>. The two projects were born in 2020 and gave rise to the Cinema in Laguna network<\/a>, which among other activities organizes the InLaguna Film Festival<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Quarta Parete<\/strong><\/a> is a collective of students and cinema enthusiasts who organize film events and festivals as opportunities for encounter and debate for the city. One of the most interesting is Stop e-Motion Days<\/a>, the first Italian festival entirely dedicated to stop-motion animation<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Venice Film Week<\/a>, a festival held every year in August at the Casa del Cinema and outdoors in Campo San Polo, continues online until September 15<\/strong> with a selection of experimental films in their original language with English subtitles.<\/p>\n

Making Cinema in Venice: Directors, Production Companies, Projects<\/h2>\n

Then there is a cinema that originates directly from the city and the lagoon, through directors and production companies<\/strong> working in the territory.<\/p>\n

Boreana<\/em>, by Emanuel Toffolo<\/strong> and Jordan Carraro<\/strong>, is an award-winning documentary that tells the most authentic and least touristic soul of Burano and the Northern Lagoon. Boreana<\/a><\/em> is available for streaming on the film platform ZaLab View.<\/p>\n

Venetian director Giovanni Pellegrini<\/strong> has dedicated several works to the city and its relationship with water, produced by Ginko Film<\/a>, a film and audiovisual production company of which he is co-founder. La citt\u00e0 delle sirene<\/em> begins with the acqua alta of November 2019; Lagunaria<\/em><\/a>, produced in 2022, imagines Venice from a distant future, questioning the city, the lagoon, and the possibility of continuing to inhabit it.<\/p>\n

Venice is home to Kublai Film<\/strong><\/a>, a production company active in feature films and documentaries. From October 4, 2026 to April 20, 2027<\/strong>, Kublai Film brings to Italian cinemas I Grandi Maestri<\/strong>, a series of film events dedicated to five protagonists of art, cinema, and literature: Caravaggio, Werner Herzog, Frida Kahlo, Michael Ende<\/strong>, and the dialogue between Turner and Constable<\/strong>. The films will be screened in their original version with Italian subtitles. Cinemas and programming will be announced on the Kublai Film website. <\/p>\n

A Film School at San Servolo<\/h2>\n

Since 2023, Venice has hosted a branch of the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia<\/strong> on the island of San Servolo. The CSC Immersive & Performing Arts hub is dedicated to immersive technologies, Extended Reality, and new narrative forms<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

International workshops and master classes involve actors, directors, screenwriters, and producers, connecting film education, immersive arts, and technological experimentation.<\/p>\n

Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia, Island of San Servolo<\/a><\/p>\n

The Venice Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia 2026<\/h2>\n

September 2\u201312, Lido di Venezia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Read the <\/strong>Caff\u00e8 with Venezia da Vivere<\/strong> at the Film Festival<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Read <\/strong>The guide<\/strong> by Venezia da Vivere<\/a> to the films, with the programme and protagonists of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival of La Biennale di Venezia.<\/p>\n

Read Venice Production Bridge 2026<\/a>: how cinema is financed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Veneziacinema: Cinema Told Every Day<\/h2>\n

Veneziacinema is a Venetian web project by Pietro Gallina<\/strong> dedicated to stories and current affairs of cinema in Venice, with which Venezia da Vivere has been collaborating for several years.<\/p>\n

On the occasion of the Mostra, Venezia Cinema in pillole<\/em> also returns, a podcast launched in 2025. The voice of Danilo Maggi<\/strong> tells the story of the Festival through brief daily episodes with curiosities, films, and information about what is happening at the Lido. <\/p>\n

The podcast is available free on Spotify and on the Veneziacinema<\/a> website.<\/p>\n

Article by Laura Scarpa. Images by Rossana Viola, Igor Serdyukov. <\/em><\/p>\n

\n \n \"RedRed Carpet Bucking Fastard Orlando Bloom ph Rossana Viola <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"JohnJohn Malkovich ph Rossana Viola <\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"lagunariaLagunaria a film by Giovanni Pellegrini, Ginko Film<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n \n \"IslandIsland of San Servolo, Venice<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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