The Venice International Film Festival has brought together stars, directors, producers and artists from all over the world since 1932. This is a famous annual event in Venice. 

The first film screened was Rouben Mamoulian's Doctor Jekyll from 1931. Films are shown from 9:00 to 3:00 in various spaces of the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido. The Film Festival is part of the cultural offer proposed by the Biennale di Venezia. The first film screened was Doctor Jekyll by Rouben Mamoulian in 1931. 

Everyone has access to the Film Festival, although the majority of seats are reserved for the international jury. This is the most famous annual events of Venice in Italy. If you can't get into the main hall, the public can attend virtually anywhere they like. Normally you can spot the stars and paparazzi from the terrace of the Hotel Excelsior. If you want to access the terrace of the Hotel you don't need to be a guest, just buy a drink and sit.

The Venice Film Festival lasts only two weeks, from the end of August to the beginning of September each year. Films are shown in three venues, the main one being the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido, while the other two venues are available in Venice and Mestre. 

The Venice Film Festival awards prestigious prizes called the Golden Lion. These awards have for many decades been the best recognition for professionalism in filmmaking and acting. While the Oscars are somewhat more artist-oriented, the Venice Film Festival focuses on artistic merit as a whole. 

The festival attracts big film stars, although experimental films are often rewarded instead of commercial ones. Other prestigious awards include the Silver Lion for directing, the Special Jury Prize and the Coppa Volpi. Noteworthy are the recent Osella Award and Marcello Mastroianni Award. 

The Biennale also organises Music, Dance and Theatre events throughout the year.