Biennale Cinema`2023: Controversial Directors Woody Allen and Roman Polanski to Showcase Their Latest Films

The International Venice Film Festival has recently announced the list of competing films for the year 2023. Among them are new films by Woody Allen and Roman Polanski, which will be presented out of competition. Woody Allen's French-language thriller "Coup de case" will have its premiere, while Roman Polanski's black comedy "The Palace" with John Cleese in the lead role will be showcased.

The inclusion of these films has sparked controversy, considering Polanski's admission of guilt for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor in 1977. He fled the United States after learning that the judge intended to send him to prison. Meanwhile, Allen has faced accusations of sexual violence by his adopted daughter, Dylan Farrow. He has denied the allegations and has never been charged with any crime.

Polanski's previous film, "J'accuse" (An Officer and a Spy), premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2019. Alberto Barbera, the festival's artistic director, defended the screening back then, stating that "we must definitely distinguish the artist from the person" and highlighting Polanski as "one of the last masters still active in European cinema."

Woody Allen debuted his previous film, "Rifkin's Festival," at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2020.

Another film featured in the Venice Film Festival competition is "Dogman," by director Luc Besson. Besson had previously faced accusations of sexual harassment by several women, including Sand Van Roy, who claimed that the director had raped her. However, all charges against him in this case were dropped.

Other films announced for the festival's competition include Bradley Cooper's biographical film "Maestro," Sofia Coppola's "Priszilla," David Fincher's thriller "The Killer," and Yorgos Lanthimos' "The Poor."

It's a formidable lineup of competitors. Nevertheless, due to the ongoing Hollywood actors' and screenwriters' strike, some stars from the main competition may not be present at the festival to promote their films.

For instance, "Challengers," a sports drama starring Zendaya, was withdrawn at the last minute and postponed until 2024.

As a reminder, the 80th International Venice Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia under the guidance of Alberto Barbera, will take place on the Venetian Lido from August 30 to September 9.

This year's program includes sections such as "Venice 80" Competition, Out of Competition, Orizzonti, Orizzonti Extra, Venice Classics, Venice Immersive, as well as special screenings.