If Venice is a movie, then late August is when the city rolls out its red carpet — literally.
From August 27 to September 6, 2025, the Venice Film Festival transforms the peaceful island of Lido into one of the most glamorous places on Earth. The air smells like salt and sunscreen mixed with camera flashes; the Adriatic breeze dances through linen suits and silk gowns. And if you’re lucky, you might spot Emma Stone sipping espresso just a few tables away.
Whether you’re a film lover, a celebrity spotter, or simply someone who adores Venice, here’s your insider’s guide to experiencing the 82nd Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica like a local — from red carpets to hidden cafés by the lagoon.
🎬 1. A Festival with History and Prestige
First held in 1932, the Venice Film Festival is the oldest in the world — and still one of the most prestigious. Directors dream of premiering here because Venice has a way of launching films into Oscar season. The festival’s golden backdrop, timeless atmosphere, and international audience make it a cinematic ritual unlike any other.
This year’s edition, directed by Alberto Barbera, blends Hollywood blockbusters, global art films, and emerging voices that redefine what cinema can be.
🌟 2. The Big Headlines for 2025
- Opening Film: La grazia by Paolo Sorrentino — an intimate, visual masterpiece from Italy’s modern auteur.
- Closing Film: Dog 51 by Cédric Jimenez — a suspenseful finale after eleven days of pure cinema.
- Jury President: Oscar-winner Alexander Payne (Sideways, The Descendants).
- Lifetime Achievement Awards: Legendary filmmaker Werner Herzog and screen icon Kim Novak.
Expect red-carpet elegance, standing ovations, and the kind of moments that keep Venice at the center of the cinematic universe.
🎥 3. Films Everyone’s Talking About
This year’s lineup is bursting with creativity and star power:
- Bugonia – Yorgos Lanthimos reunites with Emma Stone for a surreal, mind-bending sci-fi.
- Frankenstein – Guillermo del Toro’s gothic vision of the classic tale, with jaw-dropping visuals.
- The Testament of Ann Lee – Amanda Seyfried stars in a historical musical set in 18th-century Europe.
- A House of Dynamite – Kathryn Bigelow’s adrenaline-fueled thriller featuring Idris Elba.
- Father Mother Sister Brother – Jim Jarmusch returns with his signature cool, poetic minimalism.
- Elisa – Leonardo Di Costanzo’s moving Italian drama that critics are calling this year’s dark horse.
📽️ 4. Beyond the Red Carpet
Not all great films compete for the Golden Lion. Some of the most memorable screenings happen in Venice’s parallel sections:
- Orizzonti: Showcasing bold, experimental cinema from around the world.
- Venice Classics: Restored gems such as Queen Kelly (1929) and Lolita (1962).
- Settimana Internazionale della Critica: Celebrating debut directors, including A Dance in Vain by Taiwan’s Lee Hong-chi.
💡 These sections often have easier access to tickets — and you might just discover the next big thing before the rest of the world does.
🚤 5. How to Visit the Festival Like a Local
- Take the Vaporetto to Lido: From central Venice, ride to Lido Santa Maria Elisabetta. From there, the Palazzo del Cinema is a short, pleasant walk away.
- Celebrity-spotting: The terrace of the Hotel Excelsior is prime territory for sightings. Even a cappuccino here puts you in the heart of the action.
- Public Screenings: Many films are open to non-industry guests. Book in advance via the official site or at the festival’s ticket office.
- Dress Code: Smart casual by day, cocktail elegance by night — think light fabrics, linen, and confidence.
For the perfect arrival, upgrade your commute: our private boat tours glide through the lagoon directly to Lido — no crowds, no stress, all style.
🏨 6. Where to Stay During the Festival
The Lido di Venezia offers a mix of cinematic luxury and local charm:
- Hotel Excelsior Venice Lido Resort – The festival’s crown jewel, full of history and elegance.
- Hotel Villa Mabapa – A peaceful garden retreat close to the action.
- Ausonia & Hungaria Deco Hotel – Art Nouveau beauty with a stylish twist.
Prefer quieter surroundings? Stay in central Venice and travel to Lido in 15 minutes by vaporetto — or arrive in glamour with a private water transfer.
🌍 7. Venice’s Global Influence
Winning at Venice can change a film’s destiny. The festival often predicts Oscar success — think La La Land, Joker, and Poor Things. This year, global collaboration is stronger than ever, with the Doha Film Institute supporting twelve films across categories, proving Venice remains the crossroads of world cinema.
🎟️ 8. Insider Tips from a Local Guide
- 💡 Book early: Hotels and screenings sell out months in advance.
- 💡 Mix festival and sightseeing: Catch a morning film, then join our Venice Orientation Walk or enjoy a cicchetti tour in the afternoon.
- 💡 Evenings at Lido: Even if you skip the screenings, stroll the beachfront after dark — the atmosphere is electric with lights, music, and champagne clinking under the stars.
🍾 9. Why You Should Go
The Venice Film Festival isn’t just about movies — it’s about style, storytelling, and the art of living beautifully. It’s where cinema meets sea breeze, where history meets haute couture, and where Venice shows off her most glamorous side.
Whether you’re strolling the Lido promenade, sipping Prosecco on a terrace, or attending a midnight screening under the stars, the memories will linger like the afterglow of a great film.
🎬 Ready to mix cinema and Venice magic?
Explore Lido Island by bike, or book a private Venice tour that combines festival glamour with hidden local gems. We’ll handle the logistics — you just enjoy the show.
👉 Book Your Private Venice Experience During the Film Festival
