Venice Names International Juries for Orizzonti and Debut Film Awards

By Pickle August 13, 2024

Venice Film Festival Announces International Juries for Orizzonti and Debut Film Awards

The 81st Venice International Film Festival, taking place from August 28 to September 7, 2024, has unveiled the distinguished members of its international juries for the Orizzonti section and the “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film. Directed by Alberto Barbera, this year’s festival promises to celebrate exceptional talent in cinema from around the globe.

Orizzonti Jury The Orizzonti section, dedicated to showcasing new trends in world cinema, will be chaired by renowned American director and screenwriter Debra Granik. Granik’s film “Winter’s Bone” won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2010 and earned four Oscar nominations. She brings her expertise and discerning eye to a diverse jury comprising:

Ali Asgari, an acclaimed Iranian writer, director, and producer known for his poignant films on marginalized lives in Iran.
Soudade Kaadan, a Syrian director and screenwriter whose debut film “The Day I Lost My Shadow” won the Lion of the Future Award at Venice 2018.
Christos Nikou, a Greek director, screenwriter, and producer whose film “Apples” was Greece’s submission for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.
Tuva Novotny, a Swedish actress and director with a strong directorial portfolio including the award-winning film “Blindspot.”
Gábor Reisz, a Hungarian filmmaker whose films have garnered significant acclaim, including the Orizzonti Award for Best Film at Venice.
Valia Santella, an Italian screenwriter and director known for her collaborations with prominent Italian directors.

The Orizzonti Jury will present awards in several categories, including Best Film, Best Director, and Best Actor and Actress, among others.

“Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film Jury The jury for the prestigious “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film, which honors first-time filmmakers, will be led by Gianni Canova, an eminent Italian film critic and Rector of Università IULM in Milan. Joining him are:

Ricky D’Ambrose, an American writer and director whose film “The Cathedral” won the John Cassavetes Award at the Independent Spirit Awards.
Barbara Paz, a Brazilian director, actress, and producer who won the Venice Classics Award for Best Documentary on Cinema with “Babenco – Tell me when I die.”
Taylor Russell, a Canadian actress and director known for her award-winning performances in films like “Bones and All” and her directorial debut short documentary “The Heart Still Hums.”
Jacob Wong, a seasoned film festival curator and project market director associated with the Hong Kong Film Festival.

This jury will select the best debut feature-length film from various competitive sections of the festival, awarding the Lion of the Future – “Luigi De Laurentiis” Venice Award for a Debut Film, which comes with a cash prize of $100,000, divided equally between the director and the producer.

Awards Ceremony The winners will be announced during the closing ceremony of the 81st Venice International Film Festival on September 7, held at the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema at the Venice Lido.

This year’s juries, comprised of esteemed professionals from diverse backgrounds, underscore the festival’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating cinematic excellence and innovation.