Venice Film Festival 2025: how to attend and what to know about

1. Brief history of the Venice Film Festival

Founded in 1932 during the Fascist period as part of the Venice Biennale, the Film Festival was created with the intention of promoting Italian and international film art in a cultural context of excellence. The first edition took place on the terrace of the Excelsior Hotel on the Venice Lido and has since become one of the most anticipated cultural events.

Over the years, the festival has welcomed directors of the caliber of Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, Martin Scorsese, Quentin Tarantino and Pedro Almodóvar, who have presented films that have become iconic right here. Legendary actors such as Sophia Loren, Marlon Brando, Catherine Deneuve and more recently Timothée Chalamet, Brad Pitt and Scarlett Johansson have ridden the Lido’s famous red carpet.

The Venice Film Festival takes place annually between late August and early September, a period also chosen to take advantage of the beauty of the late Venetian summer. The event has gradually established itself as a global benchmark for the promotion and enhancement of cinema, with a prestigious system of awards including the famous Golden Lion, the highest award given to the best film in competition.

2. When does the 2025 edition of the Venice Film Festival take place?

The 82nd Venice International Film Festival will officially take place from August 27 to September 6, 2025, as always in the picturesque setting of the Venice Lido. The event will consist of ten days full of screenings, artist talks and special evenings. Alexander Payne, well-known U.S. director of such films as “Sideways” and “The Descendants,” will be the jury president of the official selection.

This year, two Lifetime Achievement Golden Lions will be presented to renowned German director Werner Herzog and American actress Kim Novak in recognition of their significant contributions to the film world. Among the most anticipated films in competition are already important titles, such as Luca Guadagnino’s “After the Hunt,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ ‘Bugonia’ and David Lowery’s “Mother Mary”: according to many experts, they could be among the favorites for the prestigious Golden Lion.

The main venues for the screenings will be, as always, the Palazzo del Cinema, the Sala Grande and the Sala Darsena, easily accessible from anywhere in the city.

3. How to get to the Lido and get around during the Venice Film Festival

Venice Lido is a long, narrow island separating the Venetian lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, known for its sandy beaches and elegant atmosphere. Easily accessible from the city center, the most convenient ACTV vaporetto lines to get there are the 6, 1 and 5.1, with increased frequencies during the festival period. Those arriving by train can reach the Lido directly from Santa Lucia station using line 5.1.Starting from Ninfea Luxury Suites, located in the heart of Sestiere San Marco, the Lido can be reached comfortably in about 20 minutes by ferry.

NB: We recommend arriving early, especially for the most popular screenings, to avoid long lines.

4. Where to sleep during the Venice Film Festival

Sleeping on the Lido is a practical solution, but often expensive and with limited availability, especially during the event period. A good alternative is to stay in the historic center of Venice, particularly in the districts of San Marco, Castello or Cannaregio, all of which are convenient and central. Among these, the Sestiere San Marco is home to the boutique hotel Ninfea Luxury Suites, which not only offers comfort, elegance and a refined atmosphere, but also boasts a strategic location: located just a few minutes by ferry from the Lido, it allows you to reach the Festival easily and quickly. This choice thus allows you to fully experience the Film Festival, without sacrificing the unique beauty, historic charm and tranquility of the heart of Venice.

5. Tips for making the most of the experience

To best prepare yourself, consult in advance the full program available on the Biennale’s official website. Choose carefully the screenings you wish to attend, balancing films in competition, out-of-competition and special events. Keep in mind that the opening and closing nights are often the most crowded and glamorous, so consider carefully whether to attend. There is no strict dress code for audiences, but for evening screenings, more dressy and less casual attire is appreciated.