Venice Jury President Isabelle Huppert Voices Concern for “Very Weak” State of Film Industry

Venice Jury President Isabelle Huppert Voices Concern for “Very Weak” State of Film Industry

As a gamer with a deep appreciation for the art of cinema and its ability to transport us into different worlds, I find myself deeply moved by the thoughts expressed by Isabelle Huppert, Debra Granik, and the esteemed members of this year’s Venice Film Festival jury. The concerns about the survival of cinema are not new to me; as a gamer, I too grapple with the question of whether my beloved medium can continue to thrive in an increasingly digital age.


Isabelle Huppert, the well-known French actress and head of the main competition jury for the 81st Venice Film Festival, expressed her views on how she intends to perform her role as the festival’s primary artistic judge during a gathering on Wednesday afternoon. The event was characterized by an optimistic note from Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, who was seated next to Huppert and emphasized that this year’s glamorous Italian festival would have more prominent stars gracing its red carpet than in several recent years. However, there was a noticeable sense of unease about the numerous technical challenges facing the global independent film industry, which are causing turmoil.

“Early in our conversation, Huppert expressed concerns about the future of cinema, as it’s struggling now. He explained that making a film isn’t just an individual task; it’s a gift we offer to the world. So, he worries if our world will continue to resonate with people. That’s why events like the Venice Film Festival are essential, and that’s why he’s delighted to be here.”

This year, U.S. filmmaker Debra Granik (of ‘Winter’s Bone’) – who is heading the jury for the Venice Horizons section – expressed gratitude to Isabelle Huppert for acknowledging the obvious issue or challenge that was present.

Granik stated, “We’re here because we’re passionate about preserving this artistic expression, and festivals such as Venice play a crucial role in enabling artists to share untold narratives beyond the mainstream.”

“Granik stated that festivals today might serve as acts of resistance, going against societal norms. He then addressed Barbera, saying, ‘This festival stands firm with 80 years of steadfastness, yet it remains vibrant and dynamic, never growing old or losing its freshness.'”

Huppert expressed her deep gratitude and excitement about serving as the head of this year’s jury for the competition, sharing fond memories from her rich and lengthy history in Venice film industry.

“She pointed out that by their very nature, juries involve personal judgment,” she said. “This is what makes juries so unique and appealing. The fact that they make choices implies a degree of relinquishment. In this case, we will be examining all the films from a subjective perspective – and simply doing that is an honor for the filmmakers.”

Joining Huppert on the jury are directors and screenwriters such as James Gray (Ad Astra) from America, Andrew Haigh from Britain, Agnieszka Holland from Poland who is also a producer, Kleber Mendonça Filho from Brazil, Abderrahmane Sissako from Mauritania who is a triple threat in directing, screenwriting, and producing, Giuseppe Tornatore from Italy, Julia von Heinz from Germany, and Chinese actress Zhang Ziyi. All of them bring their unique perspectives to the jury.

The 81st Venice Film Festival begins its run this Wednesday night, showcasing the out-of-competition world premiere of Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. The event will conclude on September 7th, when the esteemed Golden Lion award for the best film and other accolades will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony.

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2024-08-28 17:24