Venice, Italy — The renowned Venice Film Festival has once again brought together an eclectic mix of cinema’s most innovative minds to form the international jury for its prestigious Orizzonti section. This year, the jury is chaired by the acclaimed American director and screenwriter, Debra Granik, known for her powerful narratives and compelling character studies in films like “Winter’s Bone” and “Leave No Trace.”
The jury, which includes directors, actors, and screenwriters from across the globe, underscores the section’s commitment to diversity and innovation in filmmaking. Among them is Ali Asgari, an Iranian filmmaker celebrated for his gripping portrayals of life’s fringes in Iran. His films have graced major international stages, making waves at festivals from Venice to Toronto.
Accompanying Asgari on the panel is Soudade Kaadan, a Syrian director based in London, who has garnered international praise for her poignant storytelling in films such as “The Day I Lost My Shadow.” She stands out as the only Arab woman director to have won twice at the Venice Film Festival, a testament to her distinctive narrative voice.
Greek cinema is represented by Christos Nikou, a director whose debut feature “Apples” opened the Orizzonti section in 2020 and was later submitted by Greece for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film. Nikou’s work continues to push the boundaries of conventional storytelling, attracting interest from around the world.
From Sweden, Tuva Novotny brings her dual expertise as an actress and director to the jury. Starting her career at a young age, Novotny has since directed critically acclaimed films and starred in major international productions, showcasing her versatility and commitment to the craft.
Gábor Reisz, a filmmaker from Hungary, joins the jury following the success of his film “Explanation for Everything,” which won the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at a previous Venice Film Festival. His works resonate with a unique blend of humor and melancholy, reflecting on personal and societal challenges.
Rounding out the jury is Italian filmmaker Valia Santella, whose career transitioned from script supervision to directing, revealing a profound understanding of narrative complexity and character depth in her projects.
The Orizzonti jury is tasked with an important role at the festival, assigning awards in various categories including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. These prizes are crucial for recognizing and encouraging innovative filmmaking, supporting artists whose works challenge, inspire, and transcend cultural boundaries.
This year’s selection of jury members not only highlights the extensive range and depth of global cinema but also reflects the Venice Film Festival’s ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where diverse cinematic voices can thrive. Through their judgments, these accomplished filmmakers and artists will contribute to shaping the future landscape of international cinema, spotlighting emerging talents and groundbreaking works that might otherwise remain unseen. The creativity and passion of the Orizzonti jury are set to make a significant impact on this year’s festival, promising an exciting and transformative cinematic experience for audiences worldwide.