Information

When will the next Venice Film Festival run?
2 to 12 September 2020.

Which films will screen at the next Festival?
The full line-up was announced on 29th July 2020 during the official press conference in Venice. Check out the Line-up section.

How many sections are there in the line-up?
The official selection includes: Venezia 77, Out of Competition, Orizzonti, Biennale College Cinema, and Venice Virtual Reality.
The independent and parallel sections include the International Critics’ Week (SIC) and the Giornate degli autori, these sections having their own regulations.

Which screenings are scheduled for the public?
The public has its own access to screenings as will be indicated in the daily programme. Some screenings are reserved for accredited visitors.

Are children admitted to screenings?
Children under the age of 6 are not admitted to screenings. All screenings with a minimum age limit of 14 (12 if accompanied by a parent or whomever has parental authority, both providing a valid ID document) are specified in the program.

How do I buy tickets and subscriptions?
Details will be available around mid-August. Tickets and subscriptions will be available on www.labiennale.org only.

Which prizes does the Festival award?
The Venezia 77 international jury will award the Golden Lion for Best Film. The international juries of the other sections will award the remaining prizes as specified in the Regulations.

What are the conditions for submitting a film?
All production or distribution companies and filmmakers can submit films for selection, providing they own the rights to do so and respect the Regulations and the festival deadlines.

What is the deadline for submitting a film?
The deadline is June 12 (May 31 for VR projects).

Must films be subtitled or dubbed?
All films must be presented exclusively in their original language. The festival will not accept dubbed films. Foreign language films must be subtitled in Italian. Italian language films must be subtitled in English.

Will the press see my film?
Some 3,000 journalists, film critics, and radio and television reporters are attending the Festival and have privileged access to screenings. A film presented at the Festival attracts world attention. The Venice Film Festival has long been an exclusive launching pad for the work of new filmmakers as well as for accomplished personalities.

Does the Festival have a Film Market?
The new Venice Production Bridge (the former Industry Office) headed by Pascal Diot provides the logistics and a framework for promoting and selling films.

How do I get accreditation?
The Festival offers all those working in the cinematographic sector the possibility to apply for accreditation according to their specific area of employment. There are four types of accreditation: Press, Industry, Film Delegation, and Cinema. Accreditation will be granted according to the respective regulations. Details are available in the Accreditation section.

How do I make a hotel reservation?
For hotel reservations at Lido: Consorzio Venezia e il suo Lido: www.veneziaeilsuolido.it.

Any other questions?
Please contact Cinema@labiennale.org or visit the Festival website (www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/) for the latest updates.

HOW TO REGISTER

When do you open the registrations?
Requests for accreditation to the 77th Venice International Film Festival started in February 2020.

Where can I submit my accreditation request?
To submit your accreditation request you need to fill out the online request form related to your professional category (Press, Industry or Cinema) available on the Accreditation section of our website.

Until when can I apply for an accreditation?
It’s possible to apply for accreditations until the beginning of the Festival, according to the availabilities, by filling out the online request form. However, it is highly recommended to request and pay the accreditation as soon as possible to benefit of the best rates, and benefit of the offered services, such as the fast track to collect the accreditation badge at the Accreditation Desk.

I’m a minor, can I have an accreditation?
No, the accreditation is reserved to people from 18 years old.

I’ll turn 18 just after the Festival, can I have an accreditation?
No, the accreditation is reserved only to those that will already be 18 during the Festival. It is however possible to attend the Festival by buying tickets to single screenings, unless they are marked as R-rated (VM 18).

ACCREDITATION TYPOLOGIES

Which accreditation typologies are available?
There are three main accreditation typologies dedicated to the different professional categories: Press, Industry and Cinema. In addition to them, there are the Film Delegation accreditations, dedicated to the delegations of the films selected for the Festival, the Promotional Under 26/Over 60 accreditations, dedicated to applicants of the indicated ages, and the Venice Virtual Reality accreditations, dedicated to the vision of the VR works at Isola del Lazzaretto Vecchio exclusively.
Each typology of accreditation is released accordingly with the respective methods. Terms, conditions and rates are described in the Accreditation section of our website.

I’m a film professional and also a journalist, can I have both accreditations?
No, each person can have only one accreditation.

Can I apply for two different accreditation categories at the same time?
No, requests sent to different offices at the same time to obtain different typologies of accreditation will not be taken into consideration. To verify which kind of accreditation corresponds to your professional profile, please check the Accreditation section of our website.

PAYMENT

Can I pay the accreditation in cash?
No, we accept traceable payment systems such as credit and debit card exclusively.

Can I pay the accreditation when I collect it?
Yes, it’s possible to pay the accreditation with credit or debit cards at the moment of the collection at the Accreditation Desk. The On Site fee will be applied. To benefit of better rates and of all services granted by the accreditation the online pre-payment is highly recommended.

I need to pay more accreditations, can I do a bank transfer?
No, each accreditation has to be paid separately through debit or credit card.

I need the invoice, will you send it to me?
The invoice will be automatically sent to the applicants that have requested it before the online payment by ticking the relevant field. It’s not possible to request the invoice afterwards.

Do you do concessions on the accreditation costs?
Industry and Cinema accreditations have reduced fees for those who send their accreditation request by 30th June 2020 and pay the accreditation by 9th July 2020. To check all fees and deadlines, please visit the Accreditation page of our website.

I can’t attend the Festival anymore but I’ve already paid my accreditation, can I have a refund?
It will be possible to receive a 60% refund for the Industy Gold and Trade accreditations requested by 30th June 2020 and paid in advance, in case of cancellations communicated to the Registration Office by and no later than 31st July 2020. It’s also possible to receive a full refund for Industry accreditations in case of entry VISA for Italy denied by the competent authorities, upon presentation of all documentation to the Registration Office. In any other case the accreditation cannot be refunded.

I can’t attend the Festival anymore but I’ve already paid my accreditation, can you change the heading and give it to a friend?
No, changes of names are not admitted. The accreditation is strictly personal and not transferable.

ACCESS

Which screenings can I attend with my accreditation?
Cinema accreditations allow you to attend all screenings marked as “Tutti gli accrediti” with no priority of access. Industry, Film Delegation and Press accreditations allow you to attend all screenings marked as “Tutti gli accrediti” with no priority of access and all screenings marked as “Press Industry” with priority access depending on the badge colour with the order red, blue, orange.
At the screenings marked as “Pubblico / Tutti gli accrediti” priority is given to the audience and subsequently to all accreditations with no priority. The access to all screenings is subject to availability.

Can I attend the official screenings in Sala Grande with my accreditation?
Yes, accreditation pass holders can attend the 2 pm, 5 pm and 10.30 pm official screenings in Sala Grande with no priority access. For the 5 pm and 10.30 pm screenings you need to book your ticket online through the Boxol platform or in person at the ticket office, starting from 12 pm of the day before the screening. Last minute access will be allowed to all accreditations with no priority in case of availability of seats.

How can I book tickets for the Sala Grande?
Accreditation pass holders can book their ticket for the 5 pm and 10:30 pm Sala Grande screenings online, starting from 12 pm of the day before the screening, through our website at the address https://labiennale.boxol.it/BiennaleCinemaAccreditati/en/. In order to use the service you need to create your Boxol profile by entering your name, surname, email address and a password, and to link it to your accreditation code. It’s not possible to associate more accreditation codes to one profile.
Alternatively, it’s possible to request your ticket in person at the ticket office. Each accreditation pass holder can book one single additional ticket for another pass holder, upon presentation of his/her accreditation badge.
As the number of requests for these screenings is very high, we highly recommend to book your ticket as soon as possible by using the online procedure.

I don’t need the ticket I booked for Sala Grande anymore, what do I do?
Tickets for Sala Grande booked through your accreditation code must be cancelled within 30 minutes before the screening, by using your Boxol profile online or in person at the ticket office. The non-utilisation of your ticket booked with your accreditation code can preclude the possibility to be assigned further tickets.
How can I book the VR experiences at Isola del Lazzaretto Vecchio?
VR experiences at Isola del Lazzaretto Vecchio can be booked online at www.boxol.it.

I can’t attend the VR experience that I booked, what do I do?
Bookings for VR experiences must be cancelled within 30 minutes before the beginning of the slot, by using your Boxol profile online. The non-utilisation of your booking can preclude the possibility to book further VR experiences.
Which is my accreditation code?
The accreditation code is the 8-digit alpha-numeric code indicated in the registration confirmation email for your accreditation. It’s the same used for the online payment and printed on you accreditation pass under the barcode.

Can I attend the press conferences with my accreditation?
Press conferences are reserved to Press accreditation pass holders exclusively, with priority access depending on the badge colour with the order red, blue, orange. In case of availability of places, access is allowed to Industry and Film Delegation accreditation pass holders.

Can I attend the Opening and Closing Ceremonies with my accreditation?
No, the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are upon invitation only.

Which areas can I access with my accreditation?
The accreditation allows access to all Festival areas between Palazzo del Cinema and Palazzo del Casinò and to the Exhibition Areas and the free access conferences organized by the Venice Production Bridge at Hotel Excelsior, Isola del Lazzaretto Vecchio and Hotel Des Bains.

DURING THE FESTIVAL

When can I collect my accreditation pass?
Press accreditations can be collected from Monday 31st August. All other accreditations can be collected from the following day, Tuesday 1st September. In order to collect your accreditation you need to show the registration confirmation email. The opening times of the Accreditation Desk will be published in the Accreditation section of our website in August.

Can I send somebody else to collect my accreditation?
No, the accreditation is strictly personal and not transferable, therefore it must be collected in person. Proxy is not allowed.

I lost my accreditation pass, what do I do?
Loss or theft of the accreditation badge have to be reported to the local police authority. The Registration Office will duplicate the badge, upon presentation of the police report and a new payment of the original fee you paid, within the times of the issuing office.

FILM SUBMISSION

What are the submission deadlines?
The deadline for registering a feature-length film or a short film is June 12, 2020. The deadline to submit VR works is May 31, 2020.

How do I submit my film to the Venice International Film Festival?
You have to register your film through the online pre-selection entry form. Then you will be able to upload the film into the VIFF streaming platform.

Is it possible to submit through Withoutabox or Filmfreeway?
No, the only channel to submit is filling out the official pre-selection entry form that you find at www.labiennale.org/en/cinema.

May I submit if I do not have a production company?
Yes, of course.

Is it possible to submit more than one film?
Yes, you can submit more than one film. For each one you need to complete the pre-selection entry form.

May I apply to more than one section or to a specific section?
There is only one general submission form, the Festival Direction will decide in which section your film will be presented in case it is selected. Short films have their own submission form and will be presented in the competitive Orizzonti section. VR projects have their own submission form and will be presented in the Venice VR program.

How can I add or correct the information given in my application?
Please send an email with the updated information to selection@labiennale.org or, if it is a short film, to orizzonti@labiennale.org, if it is a VR project to venicevr@labiennale.org . Please remember to mention the title of the film or the registration code in the email object.

Do you accept films submitted in previous years?
No, the VIFF does not accept films that have already been considered for past editions, even if they had a different title, different duration, or were previously presented as works in progress.

Do you accept documentaries and animations?
Yes, the VIFF accepts documentaries and animations both as full-length films and as short films.

Is the VIFF in charge of selecting films for Settimana della Critica (Critics’ Week) and Giornate degli Autori?
No, these are sidebar independent sections with their own regulations and selection committees.

ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

Which Premiere status must a film have to be eligible for the VIFF?
All films presented at the VIFF must be World Premiere, this means that a film must have never been shown anywhere publicly.

Are International Premieres admitted in any section?
No, all sections of the VIFF, even non competitive ones, will present only films as World Premiere.
Only VR projects may be presented as IP, even though WP will be preferred.

If my film has been presented only in its country of origin, is it eligible?
No, sorry it is not.

Are films presented at national or international film festivals/events eligible?
No, sorry they are not.

If my film has been/will be presented in a film market, is it still eligible?
Yes, but only if it is/will be a private screening by invitation only, with no press admitted.

Are films released on the Internet, broadcasted on television or released on DVD or Blu-ray admitted?
No, sorry they are not.

A trailer of my film is already available on the Internet. Is the film still eligible?
Yes, it is. A trailer does not present any breach of our regulations.

When must my film be produced to be eligible?
Only films produced in the twelve months before the VIFF are eligible. This means that they must have been completed after September 7, 2019.

What are the admitted film durations?
Feature-length films must be no shorter than 60 minutes (credits included).
Short films must be no longer than 20 minutes (credits included).
Films between 21 and 59 minutes are not admitted in any section.

Are TV series eligible for the VIFF?
The VIFF may occasionally present a TV series in the non-competitive sections Sconfini or Out of Competition. It must be a world premiere. The VIFF will be able to present two episodes, unless it is a mini-series. So you should submit at least two episodes using a single feature-length form.

Do you select commercials or music videos?
No, there are no sections presenting these film categories.

May I submit my film to other festivals during the VIFF submission process?
Yes, you may. But please let us know if your film has been selected elsewhere, so we can try and give you an early answer.

SUBMISSION FEE

What is the fee for film submission?
The fee is € 120 for feature-length films, € 60 for short films, if the submission is completed by May 31. The fee for VR Immersive Stories/Experiences is € 120, if the submission is completed by April 30.

Are there any additional late fees?
If films are submitted after May 31 there is an additional cost of € 20: from June 1 the submission fee for feature-length film is € 140, for short films € 80.
For VR projects submitted from May 1 the fee is € 140 as well.

Will you refund submission fee if it turns out that my film is not eligible?
No, you cannot get a refund in case your film is not eligible. Therefore please carefully check the eligibility conditions prior to submitting the film.

Do you accept PayPal payments?
No, only payment by credit card is accepted. Please also note that debit cards are not accepted.

Will I receive an invoice for the submission fee?
Yes, you will be sent an invoice a few days after the payment.

SELECTION SCREENER

Which screening formats are accepted for selection?
The VIFF accepts screeners of feature-length films via file upload, or shipment of Blu-ray, DVD or DCP. Short films can be submitted only via file upload.
If your film is available only in a different format, please convert it into one of the accepted technical formats before you submit it. HDCAM and QT ProRes files are not accepted. Please visit the technical specifications for selection screener formats.
If you have any additional technical questions, please contact selection@labiennale.org or (for short films) orizzonti@labiennale.org

How can I get instructions to upload my film?
After paying the submission fee (see below), you will get an email with a link to upload it.

Which size must the video file have to be uploaded?
The maximum size is 5GB.

May I send a link (e.g. Vimeo) instead?
No. The VIFF accepts only files uploaded to its own secure streaming platform. But you can take the same data file that is provided on the Vimeo platform and upload it as your selection screener.

May I send my film in more than one format?
No, please just send your film once in one single format.

Do you view trailers?
No, please do not send trailers. The VIFF only accepts and views films in their full version.

Do you accept works in progress for selection?
Yes, of course the film can be viewed also if it has not completed post-production or picture lock. Please be sure the film will be finished for the festival delivery date. If in doubt, please get in touch with the festival’s Programming Office.

May I send an updated version of my selection screener at a later date?
You must be authorized by the Programming office to do so. We do not advise to send a first version with the idea of replacing it later. The selection team will not view the same film twice.

Do you need a subtitled version for the selection screenings?
Yes, the VIFF needs an English subtitled version for the selection screenings. If the film’s original version is English with strong regional accent or slang vocabulary, that could not be easily understood by non-native speakers, it is recommended to have it subtitled as well.

Can I send subtitles as a separate file?
No, they must be included in the screener.

Where do I send my film?
Selection screeners not submitted online should be sent to the following addresses (except short films that may only be uploaded).
Before sending a DCP it is recommended to get in touch with print.traffic@labiennale.org to check on when and where the next screening session will take place.
La Biennale di Venezia - Settore Cinema
77. MOSTRA INTERNAZIONALE D’ARTE CINEMATOGRAFICA
Ca’ Giustinian - San Marco 1364/a, 30124 Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5218878 - Cinema@labiennale.org
From May 25 the address is:
La Biennale di Venezia - Settore Cinema
77. MOSTRA INTERNAZIONALE D’ARTE CINEMATOGRAFICA
Palazzo del Cinema, Lungomare Marconi, 30126 Lido di Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5218878

Is it possible to send DCPs by digital file transfer?
No, it is necessary to ship a CRU, HDD, SDD or USB stick.
Aspera digital transfer may occasionally be allowed in cases of extreme urgency or technical issues. Please contact the festival’s Programming Office (print.traffic@labiennale.org) for further instructions.

Does my DCP need to be protected through KDM (encrypted)?
No, it is not mandatory. The VIFF grants the utmost security for your contents, by using its own private screening rooms and by methodically cancelling all viewed DCPs. Anyway, if you want to send encrypted DCPs, please make sure that KDMs reach the VIFF by the date of your DCP delivery.

How can I get server certificates to issue KDMs and to which address must I send them?
You can get server certificates from print.traffic@labiennale.org and you must send KDMs to the same address.

Which time window should the KDM cover?
Please issue KDMs valid for at least 15 days from the date of the DCP delivery to the VIFF.

Do I get a confirmation on the submission and the arrival of my film?
Yes, you will get a confirmation by email after successful upload or upon shipment delivery.
If you do not receive such confirmation, please get in touch with the Programming Office to verify it has been safely received.

Can I have my screener shipped back to me?
The VIFF will not return DVDs, Blu-Rays and USB sticks. DCPs delivered on CRU, SDD, HDD can be returned if requested by September 30, 2020. The shipping will be at your expenses and must be organized through your courier by contacting print.traffic@labiennale.org .

DECISIONS AND NOTIFICATIONS

When will I be notified the selection result regarding my film?
Generally, notifications will be sent out starting from the beginning of July.
In case of urgency – e.g. an invitation to another festival - please get in touch with the Programming Office and they will do their best to deliver an earlier decision.

If my film is not selected, may I get a feedback from the selection team?
Sorry not. Please understand that it is impossible for the VIFF to offer a specific explanation for each exclusion, that is the result of a joint and sometimes difficult decision of the selection team.

IF MY FILM IS SELECTED

If my film is selected, do I need to sign an agreement?
Yes, you will receive a link to fill out an entry form (different form the submission form), which will include all detailed information regarding your film and must be signed and sent back to the VIFF by July 21st, 2020.

If my film is selected, when do you need the festival version?
The film’s version for presentation at the festival should arrive in Venice no later than August 18th, 2020.

Will copyrights for music or footage included in my film be cleared by the VIFF?
No, please make sure to solve all copyrights issues before the film presentation at the VIFF.

Which screening formats are requested for festival presentation?
The VIFF accepts only DCPs or 35mm prints. You need to send two copies (show copy and backup copy - they must be identical and in the same format).

What kind of subtitles do you request for the festival version?
For their VIFF presentation foreign language films must be subtitled onscreen in Italian, while Italian language films must be subtitled onscreen in English. The VIFF will also project English offscreen subtitles for all foreign language films (including English spoken films – to the benefit of the non-native English speaking audience).
In case of films spoken in more than one language, please contact immediately the Programming Office to discuss the most appropriate subtitling.

Will the Festival pay for the subtitling costs?
No sorry, the cost of subtitling your film are at your charge.

Does the Festival cover the shipping costs of the film copies to/from Venice?
No sorry, all shipping costs to and from Venice are at your charge.

What kind of hospitality does the festival offer to invited films?
Generally the Venice Film Festival offers 9 nights to feature films, 6 nights to documentaries, 3 nights to short films in a partner hotel in Lido or in Venice. Hospitality is primarily offered to the directors and actors.

Does the Festival cover travel expenses for the director and/or cast?
No sorry, all travel expenses to Venice are at your charge.

CONTACT US
For further questions the Programming Office will be at your disposal:
Venice Film Festival
Cinema Department
La Biennale di Venezia
Tel. +39 041 5218878
E-mail Cinema@labiennale.org