Overview

• The 82nd Mostra opened Wednesday with Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia launching the competition.
• Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab, about a six-year-old killed in Gaza, screens on September 3 in competition, which the festival director says could have a strong impact.
• Pro-Palestine groups plan a Saturday demonstration on the Lido during the festival.
• Artistic director Alberto Barbera reiterated that the Biennale will not take direct political positions after an open letter urged a clear stance on Gaza.
• The program mixes Hollywood star turns with three Netflix contenders, while no South American films are in competition, a gap Barbera linked to funding cuts in Brazil and Argentina.