The independently programmed Giornate Degli Autori, often referred to as Venice Days, a vibrant sidebar of the prestigious Venice Film Festival, will commence its 23rd edition with the international premiere of Hungarian filmmaker Lili Horvát’s latest work, "My Notes on Mars." This highly anticipated English-language feature, starring Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend, sets the tone for a section renowned for its commitment to showcasing bold, auteur-driven cinema. The festival run for Venice Days is scheduled from September 2nd to September 12th, running concurrently with the main Venice Film Festival.
The selection committee for this year’s Giornate Degli Autori has curated a diverse and compelling lineup, emphasizing works by female directors and narratives that delve into the complexities of the female experience. This focus, regardless of the director’s gender, underscores a contemporary cinematic trend that prioritizes multifaceted storytelling and diverse perspectives. The overall program comprises 25 world premieres, with a significant 14 of these directed by women, reflecting a growing and impactful presence of female voices in international filmmaking.
"My Notes on Mars" promises to be a captivating opener. Directed by Lili Horvát, whose previous film, "Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time," made its mark at Venice and Toronto in 2020, the new film centers on Margot, an astrophysicist grappling with a strained marriage. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when Margot disappears while hiking with her husband, Sam. Her sudden reappearance weeks later, on the very day of her memorial service, is as baffling as her absence. With no recollection of her life beyond her research on Mars, Margot’s return triggers a profound exploration of identity, memory, and the unknown. The casting of Mackenzie Davis and Rupert Friend in these central roles adds a layer of considerable star power to the film’s introspective and potentially genre-bending premise.
Thematically, "My Notes on Mars" aligns with the Giornate Degli Autori’s overarching aim to present films that challenge conventions and offer unique artistic visions. The section is known for its role in discovering and supporting emerging talent, as well as providing a platform for established directors to present more personal and experimental projects. The Giornate Degli Autori, modeled after the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival, was founded in 2004 by the late Italian film critic Giorgio Gosetti, who served as its guiding spirit for 23 consecutive years. Gosetti’s passing in March at the age of 70 marks a poignant moment for the section, which will be dedicated to his memory. A statement released by the organization highlighted his instrumental role: "For 23 years, without interruption, he was its [Venice Days’] guiding spirit, the lifeblood of the organization, motivating and uniting the professionals that turned it into a festival that is known and respected the world over."
A Rich Tapestry of Global Cinema
The competition section of this year’s Giornate Degli Autori is particularly robust, featuring an all-female jury tasked with evaluating the selected films. Leading the jury is acclaimed Spanish director Carla Simón, known for her critically lauded works "Alcarràs" and "Romeria." She will be joined by Hania Mroue, the founder and director of Beirut’s esteemed Metropolis Cinema, and Italian director and producer Sara Fgaier. This jury composition further emphasizes the section’s commitment to diverse perspectives and female leadership within the film industry.
Among the ten films vying for the top prize in the competition is Kuba Dorabialski’s "Agata the Writer." This Polish-born director’s film stars Mia Wasikowska as a Polish-Australian novelist embarking on a journey from Sydney to Sarajevo. Her intention is to write a novel about the Bosnian War, but her creative endeavor is met with unforeseen challenges from the local community. This narrative promises a nuanced look at cultural perspectives, the complexities of historical representation, and the artist’s role in society.
Other compelling entries in the competition include Nicola Sorcinelli’s Italian production "Balcanica." The film follows a group of Afghan musicians who traverse the Balkan route following a ban on music in their homeland. Starring Matilda De Angelis, also a co-producer on the film, "Balcanica" is poised to offer a poignant exploration of art’s resilience in the face of oppression. Damilola Orimogunje’s Nigerian film "Dear Ajayi" delves into the reunion of two estranged sisters at the wake of a tragedy, examining familial bonds and the lingering effects of past conflicts. French filmmaker Robert Guédiguian’s "A Woman Today" presents the story of Juliette, a successful finance executive whose life unravels after a traumatic assault by a colleague at a company event, addressing themes of power dynamics and vulnerability in the corporate world.
Diverse Narratives and Special Engagements
Beyond the competition, the Giornate Degli Autori program features a curated selection of special events and out-of-competition screenings, further broadening the scope of cinematic exploration. Italian director Francesca Archibugi’s documentary "Carla Lonzi, A Feminist Story" offers an in-depth look at the radical feminist activist and art critic Carla Lonzi, a significant figure in feminist discourse. Ashgan El-Hamus’s debut feature, "Al Baraneya," an Egyptian film, portrays a young, pregnant woman in a village contemplating a promising urban future should her family’s land be sold, exploring themes of tradition versus modernity and personal aspiration. The closing film, Lèa Domenach’s "A Man’s Skin," is a queer and feminist musical comedy set in the Italian Renaissance. This film reunites Domenach with Catherine Deneuve, following their previous collaboration on the Bernadette Chirac comedy "The President’s Wife," hinting at a playful and potentially subversive take on historical narratives.
A notable collaboration with Prada’s Miu Miu label will present a series of shorts under the "Women’s Tales Project." This initiative, renowned for championing female filmmakers, will screen new short films by established directors Mona Fastvold ("Discipline") and Claire Denis ("Avec Kim"), adding further artistic weight to the section.
Gaia Furrer, the artistic director of Giornate Degli Autori, articulated the section’s diverse vision in a statement. She described the program’s narrative forms as a rich amalgamation, encompassing "sentimental science fiction, experimental documentaries, history films, family melodramas, anti-hero westerns, musical comedies and other works that freely cross the borders between documentary film and fiction, autobiography and invention." Furrer further elaborated, stating, "It’s a patchwork of genres that reflects the vibrancy of contemporary cinema and its ability to evolve along with the world itself." This statement highlights the section’s dedication to embracing a wide spectrum of cinematic expression and its commitment to reflecting the dynamic nature of filmmaking today.
A Legacy of Discovery and Dedication
The Giornate Degli Autori has consistently served as a vital platform for discovering new talent and championing films that might otherwise struggle to find distribution. Its independent status allows for a more curated and risk-taking selection process, often highlighting films that push artistic boundaries and engage with pressing social and cultural issues. The section’s establishment in 2004 was a direct response to a perceived need for a dedicated space within Venice that mirrored the spirit of independent cinema championed by Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight. Supported by the Italian film directors’ associations ANAC and 100autori, Venice Days has carved out a significant niche within the larger festival ecosystem.
The dedication of this year’s edition to Giorgio Gosetti is a testament to his profound influence. Gosetti was not merely a founder but a visionary who instilled a unique identity and ethos into the Giornate Degli Autori. His leadership fostered a sense of community among filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals, transforming the section into a globally respected event. His absence will undoubtedly be felt, but his legacy is firmly embedded in the spirit of independent cinema that the Giornate Degli Autori continues to embody.
The lineup for the 23rd edition of Venice Days showcases a compelling mix of established and emerging filmmakers from across the globe. The inclusion of films addressing diverse cultural backgrounds, social issues, and experimental narratives underscores the section’s commitment to a broad and inclusive definition of cinematic art.
Full Lineup of Giornate Degli Autori 2024
In Competition:
- "Sadness Sometimes, Other Times Revolt," directed by Maria Aparicio
- "Agata the Writer," directed by Kuba Dorabialski
- "Balcanica," directed by Nicola Sorcinelli
- "Camouflage," directed by Mykyta Gibalenko
- "Dear Ajayi," directed by Damilola Orimogunje
- "I Plant My Hand in the Garden," directed by Boris Hadžija and Hoda Taheri
- "Les Indes," directed by Pauline Julier and Nicolas Chapoulier
- "My Notes on Mars," directed by Lili Horvát (Opening Film)
- "Salón De Bellezza," directed by Nathalia Acevedo
- "A Woman Today," directed by Robert Guédiguian
Out of Competition:
- "Man’s Skin," directed by Léa Domenach
Special Events:
- "Al Baraneya," directed by Ashgan El-Hamus
- "Carla Lonzi, A Feminist Story," directed by Francesca Archibugi
- "The Phantom," directed by Ignacio Masilorens and David Lamelas
- "The Massacre," directed by Cosimo Messeri
- "Even if Hell Came," directed by Samuele Rossi
Women’s Tales Project (shorts), in collaboration with Prada’s Miu Miu Label:
- "Discipline," directed by Mona Fastvold
- "Avec Kim," directed by Claire Denis
The selection of "My Notes on Mars" as the opening film, alongside a program rich with female directors and stories exploring female experiences, signals a clear intent by the Giornate Degli Autori to highlight contemporary cinema’s evolving landscape. The section continues to be a vital space for artistic innovation and the discovery of voices that shape the future of filmmaking.
