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Film Festivals in VeniceIT
A city built on water — one of the world's most improbable and beautiful urban environments. Each August and September, the Venice Lido hosts the world's oldest film festival against a backdrop of canals and faded grandeur.
Why here
Venice Film Festival (Mostra) is the world's oldest — held on the Lido island, which physically separates the festival from the city proper and gives it an unusually self-contained atmosphere. The combination of Venice's canals and the festival's late August/early September timing makes this arguably the most beautiful film festival setting in the world. The Lido transforms into a film-focused village where encounters with filmmakers and critics are unusually relaxed. Public screenings are available in Venice proper for those without Lido accreditation.
Best months
Festival runs approximately 10 days, late August to early September. Water taxis to the Lido take 45 minutes from central Venice; the festival runs its own ferry shuttle. Public screenings available in Venice proper at Sala Darsena and outdoor events. Accreditation required for most Lido screenings. Late August Venice is warm (26-30°C) and crowds are beginning to ease from peak summer.
Getting there & around
Stay in central Venice and take the ferry to the Lido for screenings — accommodation on the Lido is limited and expensive during the festival. Venice Marco Polo airport is 20 minutes by water taxi or bus-ferry combination. Book central Venice accommodation at least 3 months ahead. The vaporetto system connects the main districts reliably.
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Schools & guides (1)
Venice Film Festival
organizerThe Venice Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia and held on the Lido island in late August and September, is the oldest film festival in the world, established in 1932. The Golden Lion is its top prize. Public screenings run alongside the accredited competition program; tickets for public shows are sold through the Biennale website.