Venice Guide and Boat

August 19, 2025

Venice Film Festival 2025: A Journey Through Cinema and the Magic of Venice

Every year, late summer in Venice transforms into something extraordinary. From August 27 to September 6, 2025, the Venice International Film Festival returns to the Lido, drawing filmmakers, actors, and cinema lovers from around the world. Now in its 82nd edition, it remains one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world—where cinematic history is made, red carpets glow under Venetian sunsets, and stories from across the globe come alive on screen.

But attending the Venice Film Festival is much more than just watching movies. It’s a unique chance to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Venice itself.

Before or after screenings, imagine wandering through the city’s narrow alleys, crossing its countless bridges, or sipping a spritz while watching gondolas glide along the Grand Canal. A morning spent in the screening rooms of the Palazzo del Cinema can easily be followed by an afternoon exploring St. Mark’s Square, visiting the majestic Doge’s Palace, or admiring contemporary masterpieces at the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.

This year’s festival promises exciting premieres, including Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, and Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia starring Emma Stone. But even as the stars arrive on the red carpet, Venice remains the true star—timeless, dreamlike, and full of surprises.

If you’re planning a visit during the festival, consider balancing cinema with culture. Take a vaporetto ride to Murano for glass-making traditions, stroll the quieter streets of Dorsoduro, or relax on the Lido’s beaches between events. Don’t forget to explore the hidden osterie and indulge in local Venetian dishes like sarde in saor or cicchetti.

So whether you’re a die-hard film buff or a traveler in love with beauty and storytelling, the Venice Film Festival 2025 offers the best of both worlds: the magic of cinema and the timeless charm of a city like no other.