Cinema doesn't stop. In September, complying with the provisions on safety, Venice International Film Festival will take place. Many people have been waiting for this news, not only for the great economy that gravitates around the sector, but also for all cinema fans. It will be a totally renewed edition. Social distancing must be taken into account, and any necessary precautions to avoid contagion. So few film screenings, few actors, few accredited press only. But the Covid emergency could not stop one of the most important Italian events. And so, as happened for example with the Book Fair in Turin, the Lagoon is also preparing to welcome the fans of the sector. With so many rules to respect. But let's see how the Film Festival is being organized.
Venice International Film Festival at the time of Covid
This international event is known to bring together thousands of people in Venice. And this year, with a pandemic like the one we are experiencing, it will be held as usual. That's amazing. But it will be a particular edition, certainly between masks and social distancing. The mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, announced that the Venice Film Festival Cosa Sarà would take place, With him, the president of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia, who confirmed it. “It will be early September. - Zaia said - And I think it's a good sign."
A special edition for the Film Festival: that of rebirth
And so they begin to lay the foundations: they will focus on security measures, social distancing, but also on the organization of video conferences and online “premiere”. But it seems that the red carpet will be there and special international guests too. It will be necessary to wait for the guidelines, but journalists from the international press cannot wait. Films will probably be presented via electronic communication and online press conferences will be held. The capacity will be reduced in the projection rooms. There will be large and safe entrances and exits and sanitation after each projection.
The “red carpet” may be there but in a private and reduced form. And it will still be a significant experience. That projects the lagoon city to promote the rebirth of Italy and the entire sector of culture and entertainment, in serious difficulties for the emergency. And why not, if everything goes as planned, maybe it will lead the way for many others international events, which necessarily have to take into account the new post-Covid rules.
Few international guests: a Film Festival mainly for Italians
Cinema will be the star. Films of Italian directors are likely to be way ahead, because they will be able to reach Venice with less difficulty. While for foreign productions, the focus will be on the use of digital.
A few months ago the presence of Cate Blanchett was announced, as president of the jury. So she could be the one to lead the jury. Once again a woman chosen for this important role, like last year with the Argentine director Lucrecia Martel, while in 2017 with Annette Bening.
The traditional Redeemer Festival returns with a great symbolic value
Further more, in Venice the Redeemer Festival will also be held. The summer event which hosts many visitors every year. But also for this event they think of a reorganization. No marches or regattas. But limited admissions and mandatory masks. The mayor announced it, confirming that it will take place on 18 and 19 July. And then the Redeemer Festival has a great symbolic value: it is celebrated every year in July to commemorate the end of the plague epidemic of 1575-1577. A way to remember the grace received from the city and perhaps wish this year that the pandemic may end not only for Italy but also for the whole world.
