Venice Film Festival Event Film festival

The Mostra, the Venice Film Festival

The International Exhibition of Cinematographic Art, better known as the Venice Film Festival, was founded in 1932: it is the oldest event of its kind in the world. It is organised by the Venice Biennale and takes place on the Lido, around the Palazzo del Cinema.

Over about ten days, the official competition and parallel sections present world premieres. Every year, the Mostra awards the Golden Lion for Best Film, the Silver Lion and the Volpi Cup for acting. Film teams often arrive by boat, making the Venetian red carpet one of the most recognisable in cinema.

Plan ahead: during the Mostra, hotels in Venice and on the Lido fill up quickly and are more expensive. Book several months in advance.

Next edition: the dates of the 84th edition (2027) had not been published in mid-October 2026; the Mostra usually takes place between late August and early September.

Find out more: Biennale Cinema, official website.