So, you know how sometimes you start a job and think, “Yeah, this is cool, I guess”? Well, Alberto Barbera is probably feeling a little more than just “cool” right now. This dude is set to stay as the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival until at least 2026. Yep, you read that right – he’s basically the film festival king for the next few years.
The board of directors over at the Venice Biennale, the big boss of the festival, was like, “Hey Alberto, you’re pretty awesome. Let’s keep you around until 2026, shall we?” And he was like, “Heck yeah!” So, they’re extending his current gig for two more years after his mandate expires in 2024. Who knows, maybe he’ll stick around even longer after that. Time will tell!
But let’s not forget about the new president of the Biennale, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. This guy had the power to make a change but decided to keep Barbera on board. And why wouldn’t he? Barbera has been killing it as the artistic director since 2012, with a previous stint from 1998 to 2001. The dude knows what he’s doing.
Barbera is like the captain of a ship sailing through award season. Under his watch, the Venice Film Festival has become THE place to be if you want your movie to have a shot at winning some shiny trophies. Just look at the list of films that have made waves after premiering at Venice – “Gravity,” “Birdman,” “La La Land,” “Joker,” and more. This guy has an eye for quality.
And it’s not just about the big names. Barbera is also all about giving emerging filmmakers a chance to shine. The Biennale College workshop helps develop and produce micro-budget films, giving these newcomers a platform to showcase their talent. It’s like the film festival version of “American Idol” – but with less bad singing.
Barbera’s journey to film festival royalty didn’t happen overnight. He started out as a film critic before becoming the artistic director of the Torino Film Festival in 1989. He’s been globetrotting ever since, scouring the world for the best and freshest cinematic gems to showcase at Venice.
And let’s not forget about the recognition this guy has been getting. In 2022, he got a special tribute from Variety at the Gotham Awards in New York. And in 2021, he won the International Achievement in Film Award from the same publication. Oh, and he’s a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts, because why not add another feather to his already impressive cap?
So, mark your calendars, because the 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival is happening from August 28 to September 7. It’s going to be a wild ride, and you can bet that Barbera will be at the helm, guiding us through another year of cinematic magic.
