Venice Film Festival: Scandal directors Roman Polanski and Woody Allen invited

Venice Film Festival
Scandal directors Roman Polanski and Woody Allen invited

The Venice Film Festival has announced its program. Two names in particular stand out: Roman Polanski (89) and Woody Allen (87) are there with their latest films. “The Palace” (Polanski) and “Coup de Chance” (Allen) are not in competition, but the invitation is remarkable. Both directors are considered personae non gratae in many parts of the (film) world.

Roman Polanski was tried in 1977 for the “rape with the use of drugs” of a 13-year-old girl. The procedure was eventually changed to “extramarital sex with a minor”. Polanski was in prison for a time. Two other women later accused the director of rape. Both were also minors at the time of the alleged crime.

Woody Allen is also accused of sexual abuse. He is said to have molested his adopted daughter Dylan when she was seven years old. His last films started almost completely closed to the public. Woody Allen is even expected as a guest in Venice – unlike Polanski, who would face extradition to the United States.

Bradley Cooper, David Fincher and Co.: These films are in competition

While Woody Allen and Roman Polanski are out of competition, the Venice Film Festival has a quite lucrative program in competition.

Bradley Cooper (48) is in the running for the Golden Lion. The superstar presents his second directorial work. “Maestro” is about the great composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990). Cooper also stars.

Also in the competition: “Sieben” director David Fincher (60) with “The Killer” about a contract killer played by Michael Fassbender (46). “Heat” maker Michael Mann (80) shows his biopic “Ferrari” with Adam Driver (39). Filmmaker Sofia Coppola (52) brings “Priscilla” to the Lido via Elvis’ wife Priscilla Presley (78).

The Venice Film Festival runs from August 30th to September 9th, 2023.

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