Venice Chief Barbera Cites Studio Identity Crisis for Fewer U.S. Films
9 reported2 unconfirmed
Venice Film Festival chief Alberto Barbera said the lack of U.S. studio and streamer films at this year’s festival is due to a studio “identity crisis” and production delays, not a refusal to participate. Barbera noted that studios are “struggling and redefining themselves by merging,” leading to fewer auteur films typically destined for festivals. He cited specific examples: Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Digger” with Tom Cruise bypassed festivals as a Warner Bros. marketing choice, Aaron Sorkin’s “The Social Reckoning” was still shooting in early August, David Fincher’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” was delayed due to personal issues, and “Dune 3” was not ready for its Christmas release. Despite this, Barbera confirmed that A24’s Robert Pattinson film “Primetime” was added at the last minute after Pattinson agreed to attend, and Disney’s Oasis reunion doc “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was invited in early June. Barbera also addressed the single woman director in competition, stating that only 24% of fiction film submissions were directed by women, down from 30% last year, and that quality was the sole criterion.
What’s reported
Alberto Barbera said U.S. studios are “experiencing an identity crisis” and struggling with mergers, leading to fewer auteur films for festivals.
“Digger” with Tom Cruise bypassed fall festivals as a Warner Bros. marketing choice.
Aaron Sorkin’s “The Social Reckoning” was still shooting in early August and not ready.
David Fincher’s “The Adventures of Cliff Booth” was delayed due to family and personal issues.
“Dune 3” was not ready for its Christmas release due to ongoing production and special effects work.
Robert Pattinson’s “Primetime” was the last film confirmed for Venice; Pattinson agreed to attend and promote.
Disney’s Oasis reunion doc “Don’t Look Back in Anger” was invited in early June; Liam and Noel Gallagher confirmed attendance.
Only one woman director is in competition this year; Barbera said 24% of fiction submissions were from women, down from 30% last year.
Barbera stated Venice has awarded top prizes to the highest number of female directors since 2000 compared to Cannes or Berlin.
Open questions
Whether the lack of U.S. studio films will persist in future years.
Why A24’s “Smashing Machine” underperformed after launching from Venice last year.
Key figures
Alberto Barbera, Venice Film Festival chief
Robert Pattinson, actor in “Primetime”
Lance Oppenheim, director of “Primetime”
Liam and Noel Gallagher, Oasis members in “Don’t Look Back in Anger”
Martin McDonagh, director of “Wild Horse Nine”
Denis Villeneuve, director of “Dune 3”
Alejandro González Iñárritu, director of “Digger”
Aaron Sorkin, director of “The Social Reckoning”
David Fincher, director of “The Adventures of Cliff Booth”
Sources: Variety
