Venice, Italy — The Giornate degli Autori, an independent film event running parallel to the Venice Film Festival, has named British director Joanna Hogg as the jury president for its 2024 edition, slated from August 28 to September 7. Hogg, known for her deep explorations of personal and psychological themes in cinema, will lead a unique jury comprised of 27 young European cinephiles. These jurors are participants in the 27 Times Cinema program, an initiative supported by the Giornate degli Autori in partnership with the European Parliament’s LUX Audience Award and Europa Cinemas.
Under Hogg’s presidency, the jury will deliberate on the GdA Director’s Award, the section’s primary accolade, which fosters the promotion of exceptional filmmaking talent. This prize allocates €20,000, to be divided equally between the winning director and the film’s international distributor. The latter must commit the funds to the further promotion of the winning film, aiming to enhance its visibility and impact within the global cinema community.
Joanna Hogg expressed enthusiasm about her upcoming role, anticipating stimulating discussions and the exchange of ideas on cinema’s evolving landscape. “What could be more fun and stimulating than watching films and sharing ideas with a jury of young cinephiles,” Hogg remarked. This opportunity not only allows her to influence the next generation of film enthusiasts but also to engage deeply with innovative cinematic works from around the globe.
Artistic director of Giornate degli Autori, Gaia Furrer, praised Hogg for her insightful and authentic storytelling, noting her ability to probe deeply into the nuances of human relationships and psychology. “Her cinema is implosive, often shining a light on the darker, unspoken truths of the human experience,” Furrer explained, citing Martin Scorsese’s description of Hogg’s films. Scorsese, a notable figure in the industry, has produced Hogg’s last three films, highlighting the esteem she holds within the filmmaking community.
Hogg’s journey in the film industry commenced with her feature debut, “Unrelated” (2008), starring Tom Hiddleston, and has built a rich portfolio over the years, including titles such as “Archipelago” (2010) and “Exhibition” (2013). Her recent works, “The Souvenir” (2019) and its sequel (2021), drew significant acclaim, setting a prominent stage at international film festivals like Sundance and Cannes. Her latest project, “The Eternal Daughter” (2022), featuring Tilda Swinton and again executive produced by Martin Scorsese, premiered at the 79th Venice Film Festival.
GdA General Delegate Giorgio Gosetti underscored the significance of Hogg’s role, linking her inspiring journey and passion for cinema with the youthful energy and burgeoning expertise of the jury members. Many of these jurors, he noted, are returning to the Giornate degli Autori with enhanced profiles as rising professionals across various sectors of the film industry — from programming and criticism to production and sales — illustrating the dynamic and evolving nature of global cinematic arts.
As the festival approaches, the presence of Joanna Hogg, a visionary in her right, is set to draw attention and lend a significant influence over the proceedings, promising a gathering rich with cinematic exploration and vibrant discussions that underscore the endless possibilities within the realm of film.