On Monday, the much-anticipated Venice Critics’ Week, a sidebar section nestled within the prestigious Venice Film Festival, unveiled its curated selection, highlighting the opening and closing films amidst a seven-film competitive slate. This vibrant segment of the festival will span from August 27th to September 6th.
Kicking off Venice Critics’ Week in style, yet screening out of competition, is "Stereo Girls," a poignant 1990s-set drama helmed by Caroline Deruas Peano. This film delves into the intricate bond of two 17-year-old girls, promising an emotional journey for audiences. Closing the sidebar with a bang is Julia Jackman’s "100 Nights of Hero," a spellbinding "feminist fairy tale" that boasts an ensemble cast featuring Emma Corrin, Charli XCX, Maika Monroe, Nicholas Galitzine, Richard E. Grant, Amir El-Masry, and Felicity Jones.
The 2025 competition lineup further showcases a diverse array of cinematic gems. Giulio Bertelli’s "Agon" stands out as a dramatic narrative centering around female athletes competing in a fictional Olympic Games, painting a powerful picture of athletic prowess and determination. Another notable entry is "Straight Circle," a dark comedy masterminded by Oscar Hudson in his feature directorial debut, which focuses on two soldiers confined within an isolated barracks, unraveling a tale of humor intertwined with intrigue. Imran Perretta’s "Ish" explores the profound and enduring impact of a traumatic police stop-and-search incident on two 12-year-old boys, inviting viewers into a world of resilience and recovery.
The main competition lineup of the Venice Film Festival will be revealed on Tuesday, with Oscar-winning director Alexander Payne ("The Descendants," "Sideways," "Nebraska") at its helm as jury president. Joining him are Brazilian actress Fernanda Torres, Iranian auteur Mohammad Rasoulof, French director-screenwriter Stéphane Brizé ("At War"), Italian director-screenwriter Maura Delpero ("Vermiglio"), Palme d’Or-winning Romanian director Cristian Mungiu ("4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days"), and Chinese actress Zhao Tao ("Ash Is Purest White"), forming an esteemed panel poised to celebrate excellence in cinema.
