Venice Immersive Marks 10-Year Milestone with Star-Studded Lineup

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival’s immersive sidebar, Venice Immersive, celebrates its 10th anniversary by presenting 68 projects from 26 countries. Thirty titles will compete while 35 are shown out of competition. The programme runs from September 2-12 on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, a short boat ride from the Lido. Festival organizers describe the section as “focused on the next wave of immersive art and storytelling.”

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High-profile talent anchors the selection. Andy Serkis directs “Nevatars,” voiced by Daisy Ridley and Kathleen Turner. Anthony Geffen’s “Galapagos: The Last Eden” is narrated by Margot Robbie. Omar Sy both voices and co-produces Abderrahmane Sissako’s “Artou.” Mark Ruffalo lends his voice to “Solwata,” a documentary about climate refugees. A tribute to David Bowie, “Bowie: Unseen Unheard,” uses rare photographs taken by the musician’s official photographer Denis O’Regan and incorporates spatial sound technology. Other works address pressing social issues, including “Raj’in (We Shall Return)” on the West Bank, “Spomyny” chronicling civilian life during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and “36,000 Ways,” built from shrapnel collected on the Ukrainian frontline.

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Paul Raphaël, the Emmy-winning artist and co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios, serves as president of the Venice Immersive jury. He is joined by Iranian filmmaker Négar Motevalymeidanshah and Belgian director-writer Kate Voet. The jury will award a Venice Immersive Grand Prize, a Special Jury Prize, and an Achievement Prize.

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• “Nothing to See Here” is directed by Daemen, 2023 Venice Immersive Grand Prize winner. — Variety article

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• “Paul Raphaël, the Emmy-winning artist and co-founder of Felix & Paul Studios, will serve as the president of the Venice Immersive jury.” — Deadline article

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• “The Immersive Jury hands out the following prizes: Venice Immersive Grand Prize, Venice Immersive Special Jury Prize, and Venice Immersive Achievement Prize.” — Deadline article

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• “The Venice Immersive programme takes place on the island of Lazzaretto Vecchio, a short boat ride up from the Lido.” — Deadline article

Deadline Hollywood

• “Among the highlights are “Nevatars,” directed by Serkis, and voiced by Ridley and Turner, and “Galapagos: The Last Eden,” directed by Anthony Geffen, and voiced by Robbie.” — Variety article

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