Venice Film Festival reinstates jury press conference

The Venice International Film Festival has reversed its decision to cancel the traditional opening jury press conference. The event is now scheduled to take place on the festival's opening day.

The initial plan to forgo the conference caused significant backlash and speculation within the film industry. Many observers suggested the cancellation was an attempt to avoid politically charged questioning, similar to recent tensions at the Berlinale and previous Venice editions regarding the Gaza conflict. While festival organizers initially attributed the decision to a ‘scheduling conflict’, the reversal follows public criticism and reports of industry concern.

The 83rd edition of the festival, held on the Lido di Venezia, is presided over by jury chair Maggie Gyllenhaal. The festival runs from September 2 to September 12, 2026.