The 2023 Venice Film Festival was destined to be impacted by the ongoing writers and actors strikes in Hollywood. This was the largest film event since the strikes began, and it resulted in several well-known stars abstaining from attendance in accordance with strike rules. However, what few anticipated was that the strikes would immediately become the center of attention during the festival’s first press conference.
During the media gathering for the jury heads prior to the opening night, Damien Chazelle, the chair of the main jury, made a statement by wearing a t-shirt in support of the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike. To the surprise of many, his fellow jury members Martin McDonagh and Laura Poitras were also present in the audience, similarly adorned in strike-supporting attire.
When asked about his choice of clothing, Chazelle refuted the notion that every piece of art should be treated as mere “content” to be put into a production pipeline. He emphasized that the main concerns for him were the issues of “art over content” and fair compensation. Chazelle asserted that individuals should be properly remunerated for each piece of art they create.
As for the significance of the t-shirt, Chazelle acknowledged that many individuals who would have loved to attend the festival were unable to do so due to the difficult circumstances prevailing in Hollywood, particularly for working writers, actors, and crew members. Hence, he donned the shirt as a means of acknowledging their struggle and showing solidarity.
In addition to Chazelle, the heads of the Venice juries for 2023 included French director Alice Diop, who presided over the Luigi De Laurentiis Award for Best Debut Film, and Italy’s Jonas Carpignano, who oversaw the Horizons section dedicated to more experimental and innovative works.
The festival commenced with the world premiere of the Italian WWII submarine drama “Commandante.” The lineup of films for the festival included highly anticipated works such as Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Luc Besson’s “Dogman,” and Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things.”
The strikes in Hollywood had a profound impact on the festival, not only through the absence of certain stars but also by sparking discussions and debates on the challenges faced by creative professionals in the industry. The tension between artistic expression and commercial interests became a prominent theme throughout the festival, with many participants and attendees engaging in impassioned debates on the role of art and the fair treatment of artists.
This wave of strikes illuminated the broader struggle within the film industry regarding the commodification of creativity and the need to ensure proper compensation for all those involved in the production process. It served as a wake-up call for the industry to address these issues and find solutions that value and support the artists and craftsmen who make the magic happen on the silver screen.
Venice, known for its celebration of artistry and film excellence, became a platform for artists to express their concerns and demand change within the industry. The festival provided a space for filmmakers, actors, writers, and other industry professionals to come together and collectively voice their grievances. It showcased the power of solidarity and the impact that collaboration between artists can have in driving meaningful change.
Beyond the strikes, the 2023 Venice Film Festival marked an exciting time for emerging filmmakers and those pushing the boundaries of cinema. The festival’s focus on showcasing debut films and cutting-edge works demonstrated its commitment to supporting and nurturing fresh talent. Through awards and recognition, the festival bestowed upon these artists the visibility and validation they needed to continue pursuing their artistic endeavors.
As the festival unfolded, it became evident that the disruptions caused by the strikes had not dampened the spirit and excitement surrounding the event. If anything, it heightened the sense of urgency and determination among participants to address the industry’s challenges head-on. The strikes served as a catalyst for change and ignited conversations that resonated far beyond the confines of the festival.
Ultimately, the 2023 Venice Film Festival will be remembered as a significant moment in the history of the industry, where artists stood together in solidarity, demanding fair treatment and recognition for their invaluable contributions. It was a turning point that prompted a reflection on the very essence of filmmaking, reminding everyone that art should never be reduced to mere content, but a powerful means of expression that deserves respect, protection, and just compensation.
