Behind The Scenes With Olga Leffers At The Venice Film Festival
Ever wondered what is behind these gloriuos event where every celebrity from around the world meet up? In the beginning of Autumn the Lido and Venice are literally awash with celebrities, thousands of journalists, and eager spectators. Take a look at these insights exclusively on L'Officiel Austria
Welcome to the 80th Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica della Biennale di Venezia, also known as the Venice Film Festival!
23 films are competing for the Golden Lion, and 19 works of various genres are shown out of competition, including documentaries. Special separate nominations for young directors and new trends in cinema, restorations of classic films, as well as a fully dedicated VR and immersive media part of the festival, the incredibly useful workshops on the development of low-budget works within the Biennale College Cinema, various networking events, and of course parties, dinners, shows, and even a charity auction AmfAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research), which should be told separately.
GOOD CAUSE
Since 1985, the organization founded by a collaboration of a group of medical professionals and actress Elizabeth Taylor has invested more than $635 million in the hard work of fighting AIDS. HBO's documentary 'Battle of AmfAR' is a great way to learn about the history of this long war. AmfAR in Venice is primarily a charity auction and event that honors individuals who have made a significant contribution to the fight against the virus. This year's lots included not only items but also a variety of 'experiences'. Andy Warhol's "Mickey," Mr. Brainwash's "Pop Flowers," a 7-day stay on the miniature island of Djerba, tickets to the Champions League final in London, earrings from the "Temptation" collection by Chopard, several paintings, and tickets to a Queen + Adam Lambert concert Perhaps this is one of the rare cases when the auction presents not only material things but also intangible "feelings!"
It should be noted that 2023 was a particularly joyful period for AmfAR. It was in this year that the world learned about the sixth patient completely cured of AIDS by bone marrow transplantation!
The Venice AmfAR, unlike the one held in Cannes, is in my opinion much more cozy, I would even say intimate. In Cannes, the event was held in a distinct pavilion located on the grounds of the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. But despite the beauty of the luxurious palace, it was still a very standard venue, especially in comparison to the stunningly beautiful La Miserecordia Hall, renovated by Alberto Torsello and located in the most populated historical district of Venice, Cannaregio. A masterpiece of Venetian Renaissance architecture filled with the rhythm of Corinthian columns and the harmony of magnificent frescoes has certainly added a character to AmfAR in Venice. Compared to the Cannes version, there were fewer tables, no queues, no increased security measures, and no special document checks and inspections. It was a pleasant, democratic, and simple experience. Of course, this AmfAR was also different because it took place in Venice, where everything is beautiful just because it is Venice.
The canals of La Misericordia's road create a special mood, not only because you are not walking or driving but also because you are floating! This amazing experience is crowned with a solemn descent to the shore, accompanied by camera flashes and the enthusiastic smiles of hundreds of people.
Leona Lewis and Rita Ora rocked this evening, creating a particularly light atmosphere, and at some point Rita even enjoyed the dance floor and did not refuse the guests in communication, which is quite characteristic of her friendly character. The event was traditionally preceded by a gala dinner, and the after-party was held at the luxurious Kempinski San Clemente Palace Hotel on a small private island near St. Mark's Square. The host of the ceremony this year, despite her absence from the Lido, was Milla Jovovich, and the main award "for inspiration" was given to Oscar-winning director Ava DuVernay, who gave a fiery speech. The US Writers and Actors Guild strike coincided with the Venice Film Festival, which resulted in the cancellation of some expected stars.
Despite not being able to attend the main program of the festival, Kate Beckinsale and Bella Thorne decided to visit AmfAR and showcase their chic outfits. The beauty cannot be hidden, as the fashion weeks' transparency and vintage trends have not gone away, causing there to be something and someone to look at. Rita Ora's gorgeous dress by Stefan Roland and Kate Beckinsale's stunningly beautiful black and gold transparent masterpiece by George Chakra were literally mesmerizing.
In general, Venice AmfAR left an impression that was very pleasant. It is a rare example of an event when a noble cause produces a beautiful consequence.
WHAT ABOUT THE MOVIES?
As I have mentioned before, the mass strikes of Hollywood writers and actors excluded from the lineup such stars as Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Ben Kingsley, while the main unpleasant surprise was the absence of the star Zendaya, whose film "Challengers" was supposed to open the festival program. Instead of “Challengers”, the festival opened with “Comandante”, directed by Edoardo de Angelis and starring Pierfrancesco Favino. The hard story of World War II commander Salvatore Todaro, who heroically saved the lives of enemy sailors evacuated from the sunken ships. The patriotic movie received a 90-second ovation from the audience and did not disappoint, but I still wanted to see Zendaya no less.
There were a lot of biopics to choose from in this year's festival program. From Enzo Ferrari's life story to Priscilla Presley's relationship with her father and a musical drama by Bradley Cooper about Leonard Bernstein, biopics have never lost popularity, but still this year it seemed to me that there were more than usual.
Films of two famous scandalous geniuses were expected by journalists and viewers, but they were shown outside the competition program. The final of a long career path of Roman Polanski, "The Palace", explicitly referred to the luxury hotel in the Swiss resort of Gstadt, the same place where Roman once hid from the American judges. The story of strange people caught in an absurd situation on New Year's Eve is a comedy, but it's still a tragedy.
As for the 87-year-old Woody Allen, who was rudely booed on the carpet, his great irony turned out to be quite pleasant to the taste, even if not new, but still unbeatable in Woody's famous manner. The maestro's 50th anniversary film, which was shot in Paris in French with a fully French cast, was an emotional thriller in the best traditions of its creator. A story about love and violence unfolding in modern Paris, which is both romantic and full of passion. The irony of fate or a chance encounter between a young writer and a former classmate. The story revolves around childhood love, family destruction, and the eternal truth about the fragility of relationships. Despite the criticism of the public, many positively evaluated "Coup de Chance", largely due to the stunningly beautiful picture from the genius of cinematography Vittorio Storatto, again collaborating with Woody Allen.
It is also worth mentioning "Dogman", the creation of another odious director, Luc Besson, who for the first time appeared in the competition program of the film festival. "Dogman" is a real and full-fledged grindhouse, a film about the fate of a psychopath brutally humiliated by his own father, his strange relationship with dogs, and revenge against an unjust system. Critics have already labeled this movie "The Joker with Dogs." A movie that is strange but still mesmerizing from the undisputed master of cinema.
This part of the festival as a whole left two fold impressions: on the one hand, a large number of different and completely unlike genres; on the other hand, a lot of identical biopics; the return of three directors accused of sexual violence; the absence of many famous actors and film makers; the cancellation of the opening film of the festival—all this formed a very strange feeling.
Let's talk about the specifics of the daily life of the 80-year-old film festival!
AND WHAT'S IN BETWEEN MOVIES?
"It's as if Venice was made for movies, and the movies take you into a dream world. It is a city that is not real, which makes it perfect for celebrating cinema". These are the words of the president of the jury, director Damien Chazelle, that describe the magic of the Venice Film Festival. It seems that on the days of the event, the whole of Venice blossoms and turns into one big fairy-tale place, and it is not surprising because on the first Sunday of September, the legendary Regata Storica takes place in unison with the event.One of the oldest and most iconic events in the cultural life of Venice is mesmerizing in its beauty. Venetians in historical costumes parade down the Grand Canal, followed by rowing competitions between the neighborhoods and in the lagoon. This spectacle is the cherry on the cake for all those who come to Venice on these special days.
The red carpet in front of the Palazzo del Cinema is the most recognizable symbol of the festival, after the Golden Lion, of course. It magnetically attracts celebrities, and it is around it that all the main attention of the public is concentrated. However, this year, the red carpet welcomed not only the stars but also the already legendary Venetian dove. Yes, yes, at some point, to replace the chic Toni Garrn and Bianca Balti with a measured gait came a real pigeon, photos of which spread all over the world.
It is impossible not to mention the inimitable Carla Bruni, who arrived in Venice accompanied by her famous husband Nicolas Sarkozy and during the festival showed a classic pair of dresses by Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent or the chic Mila Jovovich in an embroidered dress by Prada. Among the guests of the DVF Awards dedicated to honoring outstanding women appeared the always timeless George Clooney with his wife Amal, dressed in a vintage dress by Dior created by John Galliano. The other half of the greatest football player of our time, Georgina Rodriguez, who often wore different dresses, was the bright center of attention. Out of all her outfits, the remake of Julia Roberts' look from the movie "Pretty Woman" stood out the most—a scarlet dress from the collaboration of Vetements and Lebanese Elie Saab with a very revealing cleavage. The same red color of a spicy transparent dress shone on model Sophia Resing. At AmfAR, I also remembered the transparent outfit of Rita Ora in a flesh-colored bodysuit and cape by Stéphane Rolland, as well as the chic-looking 50-year-old Kate Beckinsale in a naked dress by Georges Chakra.
The versatility of it was unique. From beautiful hotels filled with crowds of photographers and journalists to various events focused exclusively on professionals in the film industry.
Yes, this year everything happened a little differently than expected; there were fewer stars, and there was a cancellation of the screening of one of the most anticipated films. It didn't go without scandals, either. Enough to mention the completely inappropriate behavior of Kanye West, who rented a boat and, in front of people, engaged in intimacy with his wife, which inevitably caused the righteous anger of the Italians. The company that rented the boat was in trouble too.
The red carpet as a symbol of the festival can be discussed for a long time. Compared to Cannes, it is definitely smaller and has its own unique laws and rules this year. There were times when it was unclear how people arrived here. In fact, the Venetian red carpet had its own Italian-style face control. The organizer of the event decided who was allowed in, and many celebrities entered the halls from the back entrance. Venice this year was clearly more focused on cinema and related details, unlike Cannes, where the carpet is always given special attention. This focus of attention changed the main thing, which is the atmosphere of the festival, which is so strongly felt in Cannes. It wasn't as obvious in Venice this year.
There was a lot to do on Lido Island during the festival. There are numerous platforms and pavilions available for negotiations, networking, training, and various demonstrations. The number of working meetings is considerable, including international and ministerial ones. For professionals, the Venice Film Festival is a must-see event. In fact, it is not just a film festival, but a full-fledged film forum where guests and participants of the event literally have a schedule filled with meetings from morning till evening.
As always, the festival consisted of several separate events: a show from Armani, an AmfAR charity auction, a midnight spaghetti dinner from Ginori 1735 and St. Regis Venice, brunch from Marco Pescarolo in honor of the Venice Regata, and, of course, the Vanity Fair party at Palazzina Grassi. Vanity Fair was the least surprising of all the lists, with overly expensive invitations and an unclear meaning.
Separately, it is necessary to tell about the weather, showing us its own fascinating movie, and apparently expecting a prize for drama and acting. The Venetian weather changed from cold to hot, but eventually calmed down and gave us a moderate and pleasant temperature.
I have arrived at my own conclusions. There is no doubt that Venice is not Cannes. Everything here is slightly different. It's not just a movie screening, it's becoming a full-fledged gathering of film industry specialists. It is also an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Venice, sung by poets and writers, with its perfect views and immense beauty surrounding you from all sides.
WELL, WHAT'S THE BOTTOM LINE?
The festival has come to an end, and the winners have finally been announced by the island of Lido. The main prize, "Golden Lion", went to "Poor Things" by Yorgos Lanthimos, and the grand prix was given to the Japanese Ryusuke Hamaguchi and his heavy drama "Evil Does Not Exist". Matteo Garrone's “Io Capitano” was awarded two prizes simultaneously: best director and best young actor, Seydou Sarra. The Volpi Cup for best actor and actress went to Peter Sarsgaard (Memory) and Kaylee Spany (Priscilla). Who knows maybe Zendeja could have been on this list if not for the labor strike. But... As they say, everything and everyone has their own time. The 80th anniversary of the Venice Film Festival has come to an end. It was a wonderful festival full of surprises. Definitely.
ABOUT OLGA LEFFERS
Olga Leffers is a founder of VintageDream, a gallery of vintage jewelry and clothing, visionary and designer of her own clothing brand, LEFFERS. Olga is an art historian, an expert in vintage fashion and conscious consumption, a contemporary art collector, a columnist, and fashion historian.
More info: www.olgaleffers.com
