The Venice Film Festival kicks off next month with 'Saving Private Ryan' getting its European premiere as the festivals out of competition opener, while Warren Beatty's 'Bulworth' debuts in competition.
Screen International reports that Venice curator, Felica Laudadio, has claimed that the selection was harder than ever despite more films world-wide to choose from. He said that there was plenty to celebrate from Italy and selected 13 local films. Unlike last year's British Renaissance, these are spread across several sections, instead of a special sidebar. There are four US films competing in competition, 'Bulworth' directed by Warren Beatty, 'Rounders' directed by John Dahl, 'New Rose Hotel' by Abel Ferrara and 'Hurlyburly' by Tony Dazan. Ireland will be represented at the competition by the long awaited 'Dancing at Lughnasa' directed by Pat O'Connor and based on the play by Brian Friel. The Hollywood mainstream will be represented out of competition with midnight slots for 'The Truman Show', 'Out of Sight' and 'A Perfect Murder'.
Stars expected to make an appearance include Beatty, Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Jim Carrey, Matt Damon, Catherine Deneuve, Emmanuella Beart, Emily Watson and Valeria Golia.
L'Albero Delle Pere, Francesco Archibugi, Italy
Bulworth, Warren Beatty, US
Rounders, John Dahl, US
Voleur De Vie, Yves Angelo, France
Conte d'Automne, Eric Rohmer, France
Jackie, Anand Tucker, UK
Sokout , Mohsen Makhmalbaf, Iran
I Piccoli Maestri, Daniele Luchetti, Italy
La Nuage, Fernando Solanas, Argentina
Trafico, Joan Botelho, Portugal
Polar, Julio Medem, Spain
Terminus Paradis, Lucian Pintille, Romania
New Rose Hotel, Abel Ferrara, US
Dancing at Lughnasa, Pat O'Connor, Ireland
Cosi Ridevano, Gianni Amelio, Italy
Hurlyburly, Tony Drazan, US
Black Cat, White Cat, Emir Kusturica, Yugoslavia
Los Amantes Del Circulo Place Vendome, Nicole Garcia, France
Lola Rennt, Tom Rennt, Germany
