Venice Film Festival Opens with "Beetlejuice" Sequel Premiere

The 81st Venice Film Festival, the world's oldest cinematic celebration, is set to begin on August 28, 2024, with the highly anticipated premiere of "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice." This sequel to Tim Burton's 1988 horror-comedy marks the opening of a 10-day event filled with star-studded screenings and competitions.

Michael Keaton, Winona Ryder, Jenna Ortega, Catherine O'Hara, and Monica Bellucci are expected to grace the red carpet for the out-of-competition premiere. The film revisits the Deetz family as they return to their country home following Charles' passing. Ryder reprises her role as Lydia, now a mother to a teenage daughter, Astrid, portrayed by Ortega, known for her performance in Netflix's "Wednesday."

The plot revolves around Astrid's discovery of the attic's model city, leading to the reemergence of Keaton's mischievous character. This Warner Bros. production is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release in the following week.

The Lido, an 11-kilometer sandbar separating Venice's lagoon from the Adriatic Sea, has been the festival's home since its inception in 1932. This historic location will host a series of high-profile events, including the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt for the premiere of "Wolfs."

The festival's closing night on September 7, 2024, will feature Kevin Costner's "Horizon: An American Saga—Chapter 2," part of his ambitious multi-part Western epic project. Following this, the prestigious awards ceremony will take place.

Several major films will compete for the coveted Golden Lion, the festival's highest honor. Notable entries include:

• "Joker: Folie à Deux" by Todd Phillips, featuring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix
• "Maria," a Maria Callas biopic directed by Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie
• "Babygirl," an erotic thriller with Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson, helmed by Halina Reijn
• "Queer," Luca Guadagnino's adaptation of William S. Burroughs' work, starring Daniel Craig
• "The Room Next Door," Pedro Almodóvar's first English-language film, featuring Julianne Moore and Tilda Swinton

This lineup showcases the festival's commitment to diverse and innovative cinema, continuing its tradition of launching and celebrating the careers of renowned filmmakers and actors. As one of the "Big Three" film festivals alongside Cannes and Berlin, Venice plays a crucial role in shaping the global film industry landscape.

"The Venice Film Festival continues to be a platform for groundbreaking cinema and emerging talent, while honoring the legacy of iconic filmmakers."

The 81st edition promises to deliver a blend of nostalgia and innovation, from the return of beloved characters in "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" to the exploration of new narratives in competing films. As the curtain rises on this cinematic spectacle, the world eagerly anticipates the stories and performances that will captivate audiences and potentially shape the future of filmmaking.