By Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer
The Venice International Film Festival unveiled a starry lineup of world premieres for September — including Pablo Larrain's "Spencer," starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, and Ridley Scott's medieval drama "The Last Duel," featuring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Adam Driver.
The oldest film festival in the world is kicking off its 78th edition Sept. 1 on the Lido with the premiere of Pedro Almodóvar's "Madres paralelas," starring Penelope Cruz. "Spencer" and "Madres paralelas" are among 21 features premiering as part of the official competition, which has often helped guide eventual Oscar best picture nominees and even winners.
Other films competing for the Golden Lion include Ana Lily Amirpour's fantasy "Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon," with Kate Hudson and Craig Robinson; Maggie Gyllenhaal's adaptation of Elena Ferrante's "The Lost Daughter," starring Olivia Colman and Dakota Johnson; Paul Schrader's crime drama "The Card Counter," with Oscar Isaac and Tiffany Haddish, and Paolo Sorrentino's "The Hand of God."
Edgar Wright's stylish psychological thriller "Last Night in Soho," with Thomasin McKenzie and Anya Taylor-Joy, will also have its premiere in Venice out of competition before heading to the Toronto Film Festival.
Jane Campion's "The Power of the Dog," with Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons; Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of "Dune," starring Timothée Chalamet, and "Halloween Kills" were all previously announced as part of the slate. Campion's film, about brothers in 1920s Montana, is another competition title, and one of two Netflix films debuting at the festival.
Last year, Chloe Zhao's "Nomadland" premiered at the scaled-down but still in-person festival and was awarded the Golden Lion. This year, Zhao will help decide who gets that prize as a member of the main jury led by fellow Oscar winner Bong Joon-ho, who directed "Parasite."
Following on the heels of the Cannes Film Festival, the Venice Film Festival is expected to mostly return to its full glamour in September. The festival runs through Sept. 11.
The Many Hires Jeremiah Wassom As Group Creative Director
Independent agency The Many has added Jeremiah Wassom as group creative director.
Wassom most recently worked a decade at Deutsch LA where, as SVP/creative director, he led the Taco Bell account and won new business for the agency. His agency past also includes AKQA and TBWAChiatDay. His creative work has touched the QSR, video games, automotive, fashion, and culture brand sectors. He also served eight years with the United States Marine Corps.
“Throughout his career, Jeremiah has helmed work that has not only made me personally jealous but has consistently pushed brands to show up in memorable and innovative ways,” said Josh Paialii, head of creative at The Many. “One look at his body of work and you will see his passion for storytelling and craft has raised the bar for entire categories, driving participation with many brands’ most loyal fans. Beyond being a world-class creative director and maker, Wassom is a proven team player and strategic thought leader. He’ll be a great addition to the leadership team at The Many working across all accounts. His role will be immediately felt as he guides and supports each of the creative leads in the department.”
A 20-year creative with agency, brand, and freelance experience, Wassom has forged a creative approach which focuses on crafting engaging connections rather than simply make ads. He sees the need for advertising to mean more, not simply do more.
The Many believes that true business growth is made possible by harnessing the power of participation and partners with brands to forge deeper connections with consumers, cultivate trust and loyalty, and maximize marketing spend and execution. The agency is built around a flexible model that offers a suite of capabilities, including... Read More