The Venice Film Festival has announced an impressive lineup for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, featuring a range of world premieres from some of the most acclaimed filmmakers in the industry. This year, the festival will commence with Paolo Sorrentino’s highly awaited film, La Grazia, setting the stage for a remarkable showcase of cinematic talent.
Among the standout films premiering at the festival is Jim Jarmusch’s comedy-drama Father Mother Sister Brother, which boasts a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett, Adam Driver, and Tom Waits. Jarmusch’s unique storytelling style promises to deliver both humor and depth, making it a must-see for fans.
Another highly anticipated film is Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi offering titled Bugonia. This innovative film features Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and is expected to push the boundaries of the genre, showcasing Lanthimos’ signature surrealism.
Noah Baumbach will also debut his latest project, Jay Kelly, featuring an ensemble cast that includes George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern. This film promises to blend Baumbach's insightful character studies with an engaging narrative.
The festival lineup further includes Luca Guadagnino’s thriller After the Hunt, which explores MeToo themes and features talents like Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri. This film is expected to spark important conversations regarding social issues, making it a vital inclusion in the festival.
Additionally, Benny Safdie presents The Smashing Machine, a unique film set in the world of UFC, featuring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. With a score by Nala Sinephro, this film is likely to captivate audiences with its thrilling narrative and dynamic performances.
The festival will also showcase several significant documentaries. Sofia Coppola’s Marc by Sofia, which provides an intimate look at fashion designer Marc Jacobs, promises an engaging viewing experience. Additionally, Werner Herzog’s Ghost Elephants and Lucrecia Martel’s Nuestra Tierra, which addresses colonialism in Latin America and the murder of Indigenous leader Javier Chocobar, are set to make their mark on the documentary scene.
Other notable feature films premiering at this year’s festival include Gus Van Sant’s long-awaited return with Dead Man’s Wire, starring Bill Skarsgard, and Kathryn Bigelow’s geopolitical thriller A House of Dynamite featuring Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson. Olivier Assayas’ The Wizard of the Kremlin and François Ozon’s adaptation of Albert Camus’ L’Étranger round out the impressive slate.
The 2025 Venice Film Festival is scheduled to take place from August 27 to September 6, as part of the prestigious Venice Biennale. With its diverse array of films and documentaries, this festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema, drawing film enthusiasts and industry professionals from around the globe.
