69 Venice Film Festival was held from 29 August to 8 September 2012. The jury of the competition was headed by renowned filmmaker Michael Mann. The festival featured works by recognized film masters and films by little-known directors in the world. The event has changed its screen saver and musical accompaniment.
The prestigious film screening was opened by the film "Reluctant Fundamentalist" by Indian director Mira Nair, and the dramatic film "The Man Who Laughs" by Jean-Pierre Amery closed it. The official competition program included films by the famous Brian de Palma, Terrence Malik and Takeshi Kitano.
Russia at the 69th Venice Film Festival was represented by the films "Treason" by Kirill Serebrennikov, "I also want" by Alexei Balabanov, "Anton is near here" by Lyubov Arkus.
Oscar-winning director Michael Cimino has arrived for the premiere of the restored and updated copy of The Gate of Heaven. He was awarded the Persol Prize for his invaluable contribution to world cinema, said the director of the Venice Festival Alberto Barbera, who noted the director's merits and his talent.
Other fresh versions of old paintings were shown: "The Mattei Case" by Francesco Rosi, "Stromboli" by Roberto Rossellini, "Carmen Returns Home" by Keisuke Kinosita, "Pigsty" by Pier Paolo Pasolini, "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" with the brilliant Marilyn Monroe by Howard Hawks and many other classic tapes.
The favorite was considered the film "The Master" by Paul Thomas Anderson, this picture has already become the subject of discussion in the cinematic world and received many rave reviews after private screenings in America. Lively and passionate discussions were caused by the film "To a Miracle" by Terrence Malick. Professional critics have named Olivier Assayas' Something in the Air as the best, followed by the film The Master, according to VeNews magazine. Closes the top three "Sleeping Beauty" directed by Marco Bellokchio.
But the main award of the 69th International Venice Festival "Golden Lion" was presented to the famous Korean director Kim Ki-Dook for the hard film "Pieta". The picture was not even listed as a favorite. This is the story of a debt knockout who cripples people so that they can pay off creditors with health insurance. The man is completely unexpectedly found by his mother, who abandoned him in infancy. The theme of the film is the relationship between these characters.
Anderson's much-hyped "Master" remained in second place. Its brilliant actors Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman have tied Volpi Cup for Best Actor. The director received the Silver Lion.
The jury awarded the film "Paradise: Faith" by Seidl with a special prize. The film about euthanasia "The Sleeping Beauty" by Marco Bellocchio earned an award for acting debut. Russian films have not received any awards.
