Venice Film Festival Jury: Johnnie To, Kaouther Ben Hania, Shahrbanoo Sadat and More Join President Maggie Gyllenhaal

Maggie Gyllenhaal will preside over the main jury at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, which will take place from August 28 to September 7, 2024. Joining Gyllenhaal on the jury are notable filmmakers including Hong Kong's Johnnie To, Tunisia's Kaouther Ben Hania, and Afghanistan's Shahrbanoo Sadat. To is a returning juror, having previously served on the Venice jury in 2008. The full jury, comprising five women and four men, will be responsible for awarding the festival's main prizes, including the Golden Lion for Best Film. The selection of jurors reflects a commitment to diverse cinematic voices and international representation, with members hailing from various continents and filmmaking traditions. The festival's artistic director, Alberto Barbera, emphasized the importance of a jury that can appreciate a wide range of cinematic styles and narratives. The full lineup of jurors is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, with the festival's official selection of films to be revealed in July. The Venice Film Festival is one of the world's oldest film festivals and a significant event in the international film calendar, often serving as a launchpad for Oscar-contending films.