So You Want to Go to the Venice Film Festival?

When you’re planning you trip to Italy, the first rule of thumb should be to always check what special events are happening in the destinations you’re visiting. In conjunction with a last-minute trip to the Dolomites at the beginning of September, I decided to spend a few nights in Venice before my journey into the mountains. Yesterday, I checked our Italy events calendar (we’re adding more fall and winter dates) and low and behold the Venice Film Festival is taking place while I’m in La Serenissima. (Bit of trivia – It is the oldest film festival in the world.)

I feel like a fool for not remembering this annual September event but as soon as I realized it, I rushed over to the Venice Biennale Web site to see if I could get a ticket to one of the screenings while I was in town. A few clicks and mission accomplished! Though it is the most expensive movie ticket I have ever bought ($25), I’ll be seeing the Italian film Il Grande Sogno. I wanted to see 1) a movie that is actually in competition for the Leone d’Oro prize (other classics are also being screened) and 2) an Italian film (there are subtitles for anything I don’t understand). So if you’re planning to be in Venice between September 2nd and 12th, consider taking in a flick at the festival. You might just see a Hollywood (or Bollywood or Cinecitta) star or two!