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World Europe Italy Veneto Venice Events Venice International Film Festival

Venice International Film Festival

8 /10
Editorial rating

Quick Facts

  • Typical timing: Late August into early September, on the Venice Lido
  • Typical duration: About 10 days
  • Admission: Varies
    Red-carpet arrivals can often be viewed for free; screening tickets vary by film and venue.

Price last verified August 2026.

Overview

The Venice International Film Festival (Mostra Internazionale d'Arte Cinematografica) was first held in 1932, making it the oldest continuously running film festival in the world. It takes place each year on the Lido, the barrier island east of central Venice, and ranks among the industry's major awards events alongside Cannes and Berlin.

The festival's top prize, the Golden Lion (Leone d'Oro), is awarded to the best film in the main competition. Red-carpet arrivals can often be viewed without a ticket, but seats for competition screenings and premieres are separately ticketed and often limited, with pricing and availability varying by film and venue.

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