The official notification date for the Venice Film Festival 2019 selection was staggered, commencing in early July and extending through mid-July 2019. Filmmakers were typically notified about the outcome of their submissions via email, depending on the section their film was considered for.
Understanding the Venice Film Festival Selection Process
The Venice Film Festival, officially known as the Mostra Internazionale d’Arte Cinematografica della Biennale di Venezia, is one of the “Big Three” film festivals, alongside Cannes and Berlin. Gaining entry is highly competitive, with thousands of films vying for a limited number of coveted slots. The selection process is rigorous, involving multiple stages of review by a panel of experienced programmers and critics.
Key Sections of the Festival
Before understanding the notification timeline, it’s crucial to recognize the key sections of the festival:
- Venezia 76 Competition: The main competition, featuring films vying for the prestigious Golden Lion award.
- Out of Competition: Films of established filmmakers or highly anticipated projects that aren’t formally competing for awards.
- Orizzonti (Horizons): A section dedicated to representing the latest aesthetic and expressive trends in international cinema, with particular attention to debut films, new talents, original or less mainstream works.
- Venice Classics: Restored classics and documentaries about cinema.
- Sconfini: A section for “genre-bending” films.
- Venice Virtual Reality: An immersive storytelling competition dedicated to VR projects.
The notification date varied slightly depending on the section a film was submitted to. Films considered for the prestigious Venezia 76 Competition were usually notified earlier than those considered solely for Orizzonti or other sections.
Factors Influencing Notification Timelines
Several factors influence when filmmakers receive notification about their film’s selection status. These include:
- The sheer volume of submissions: The festival receives thousands of submissions each year.
- The complexity of the selection process: Each film undergoes multiple viewings and discussions.
- The film’s section: As mentioned earlier, different sections have different notification timelines.
- Internal logistics and scheduling: The festival organizers need to coordinate communication across various departments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Venice Film Festival 2019 Notification
To further clarify the notification process for the 2019 Venice Film Festival, consider these frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: How was notification delivered to filmmakers?
Notifications were almost exclusively delivered via email. Filmmakers were strongly advised to regularly check their email accounts, including spam folders, during the notification period. The festival also used the email address provided during the submission process.
FAQ 2: If my film wasn’t selected, would I receive notification?
Yes, even if a film was not selected, filmmakers generally received a notification, often referred to as a “rejection email.” Silence beyond the mid-July timeframe could be interpreted as a negative answer, but contacting the festival for clarification was always recommended.
FAQ 3: What information was included in the notification email?
The notification email would typically include the film’s title, submission ID (if applicable), the selection status (selected or not selected), and, if selected, details about the film’s screening schedule and any logistical requirements.
FAQ 4: Could I request feedback on why my film wasn’t selected?
Unfortunately, due to the high volume of submissions, the festival was usually unable to provide individual feedback on films that were not selected.
FAQ 5: What was the deadline for submitting a film to the 2019 Venice Film Festival?
The early bird submission deadline for the 2019 festival was typically in May 2019, and the final deadline was usually in June 2019. Specific dates varied depending on the film’s length and format.
FAQ 6: How long after the submission deadline were notifications typically sent?
Notifications were typically sent 4-6 weeks after the final submission deadline.
FAQ 7: Was there a difference in notification timing for short films versus feature films?
While there wasn’t an explicitly stated difference, feature films considered for the main competition often received earlier notifications due to the higher profile of the Venezia 76 section. Short films generally aligned with the notification timelines for Orizzonti and other smaller sections.
FAQ 8: If selected, when would filmmakers be required to provide screening copies?
Filmmakers selected for the festival were typically required to provide screening copies within 1-2 weeks of receiving the official notification. The exact deadline would be specified in the notification email.
FAQ 9: Was there any way to track the status of my film submission?
The Venice Film Festival’s website usually provided a submission portal, but rarely offered detailed, real-time tracking. Email communication remained the primary means of updates.
FAQ 10: What should I do if I hadn’t received notification by late July 2019?
If a filmmaker had not received notification by late July 2019, it was advisable to contact the festival directly via email or phone to inquire about the status of their submission.
FAQ 11: Did the notification process differ for Italian films compared to international films?
The notification process was generally the same for both Italian and international films. Nationality did not influence the timing of notification.
FAQ 12: What resources were available for filmmakers preparing to submit to the Venice Film Festival?
Filmmakers could consult the official Venice Film Festival website, which provided detailed guidelines, regulations, and FAQs about the submission process. Industry publications and film organizations also offered advice and resources for filmmakers targeting the festival.
Conclusion: Navigating the Festival Process
While pinpointing an exact notification date for the Venice Film Festival 2019 is impossible due to the staggered nature of the process, understanding the general timeframe and the factors that influence it empowers filmmakers to navigate the submission and notification phases with greater confidence. By staying informed and prepared, filmmakers can maximize their chances of success in one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals.