Venice Film Festival 77 Opens with Daniele Luchetti's 'Lacci'

The 77th Venice International Film Festival opened on September 2, 2020, with Daniele Luchetti's film 'Lacci' (Ties), an adaptation of Domenico Starnone's novel co-scripted by Luchetti and Francesco Piccolo. The festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia, features eight female directors in competition. Artistic director Alberto Barbera bet on a restart despite the absence of Hollywood stars due to the pandemic. Cate Blanchett, president of the main jury, praised the festival's resilience and creativity, emphasizing the need to reopen cinemas. The closing film is Stefano Mordini's 'Lasciami andare'. 'Lacci' stars Silvio Orlando and explores themes of family, change, and failed relationships over thirty years. Luchetti highlighted the film's title as representing bonds that both connect and imprison. The opening ceremony included a red carpet separated by a wall from the public, a change from previous years.