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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class- Holidays in Italy Series at ItalianPod101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Italian holidays and observances. I’m Becky, and you're listening to Season 1 Lesson 22, the Venice Film Festival. |
| Have you ever been to Venice? This city, besides being one of the most beautiful in Italy, is home to the Venice International Film Festival, more commonly known simply as the Film Festival, held every year at the beginning of September. |
| In this lesson, we’ll talk about this event. |
| Now, before we go into more detail, we’ve got a question for you- Do you know when the first Venice Film Festival was held? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| The Venice film festival, or Mostra del cinema di Venezia, always takes place between the end of August and the beginning of September, spanning ten days, at the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice. Films from all over the world are shown, and at the end, prizes are awarded. The most sought-after award is the Golden Lion, Leone d’Oro, the iconic image of Venice, and it's awarded to the best film. The others, such as the Volpi Cup or the Silver Lion, are smaller prizes, but still important. |
| The Italian public follows this event with great interest because it provides an opportunity to welcome the internationally famous to Italy. The most passionate fans go directly to where the festival is held in the Lido of Venice to watch the red carpet parade, and, if they're lucky, get a picture or an autograph from their favorite actors or directors. |
| Unlike other famous Italian events, the Venice Film Festival takes place according to international standards. The participating films may belong to any nation, the jury that awards the prizes comprises international celebrities, and the Golden Lion award is seldom awarded to an Italian film. Some of the prize-winning Italian films include “The Great War” by Monicelli and “Red Desert” by Antonioni. Venice has always been a bridge to the world for Italy, a meeting point for different cultures. |
| The arrival of many celebrities attending the festival in Venice also gives the city an opportunity to unleash its paparazzi and gossip magazines. |
| It’s not coincidence that the word paparazzo is of Italian origin; it was first used by Fellini in “La Dolce Vita.” |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Do you know when the first Venice Film Festival was held? |
| It was in the year 1932, making this one of the oldest film festivals in the world. The first film shown was “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Is there an exhibition dedicated to cinema in your country? |
| Please leave a comment telling us at ItalianPod101.com. |
| See you next time! |
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