Venice Critics’ Week Announces 2025 Lineup
The prestigious Venice Critics’ Week has disclosed its lineup for the 2025 edition, set to take place from August 27 to September 6.
Competition Films Spotlight
Among the seven films competing is Straight Circle, an inaugural feature by renowned music video director Oscar Hudson. The film offers a darkly comedic take on the ludicrous nature of conflict.
The narrative centers around two soldiers from rival nations who find themselves cohabitating a barren military outpost on a border. They confront their personal and national identities, loyalties, and the sheer absurdity of their circumstances, which gradually escalates into a surreal nightmare, erasing the distinctions between allies and enemies.
Other notable entries include Gorgonà by Greek director Evi Kalogiropoulou and Agon, a first-time feature by Giulio Bertelli, offspring of Miuccia Prada.
Highlights Outside the Competition
Outside the competition, the film 100 Nights Of Hero by Julia Jackman is scheduled to premiere, featuring an ensemble cast including Emma Corrin, Maika Monroe, Nicholas Galitzine, Charli XCX, Richard E. Grant, Amir El-Masry, and Felicity Jones. This film will also serve as the closing piece for the Critics’ Week segment.
Labeled as a “feminist fairy tale,” the plot is set in a dystopian realm dominated by the tyrannical Birdman. It revolves around a perilous bet between two men: Manfred (played by Galitzine) bets Jerome that he can seduce Jerome’s wife, Cherry (played by Monroe), within 100 nights. If successful, Manfred will win Jerome’s castle and wealth, while Cherry faces a grim fate. Left in a secluded castle, Cherry wrestles with the allure of Manfred and her reliance on her maid Hero (played by Corrin), who grows increasingly suspicious of Manfred as the days pass, intensifying the emotional stakes in a deadly love triangle.
The full lineup for the main Venice Competition will be revealed the following day.
Complete List of Films
In Competition
Agon, Giulio Bertelli (Italy, U.S., France)
Cotton Queen, Suzannah Mirghani (Germany, France, Palestine, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Gorgonà, Evi Kologiropoulu (Greece, France)
Ish, Imran Perretta (U.K.)
Roqia, Yanis Koussim (Algeria, France, Qatar, Saudi Arabia)
Straight Circle, Oscar Hudson (U.K.)
Waking Hours, Federico Cammarata, Filippo Foscarini (Italy)
Out of Competition
Opening Film: Stereo Girls, Caroline Deruas Peano (France, Canada)
Closing Film: 100 Nights of Hero, Julia Jackman (U.K.)
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