The 69th Venice Film Festival took place from August 29 through September 8, 2012.
Fifteen majority-French films were presented in various sections, four of which were in Official Competition for the Golden Lion. Something in the Air, by Olivier Assayas, which was warmly received on the Lido, was among these four and it received the Best Screenplay award.
This edition marked the return of Alberto Barbera as the head of the festival. This change coincided with the restructuring of the spaces used by the festival on the Lido and with the creation of a whole new 5-day market, directed by Pascal Diot, from France, to welcome international buyers.
We spoke to Pascal Diot at the end of the festival, and asked him 3 questions.
1/ How do you feel the market went, in terms of participation, professionals' reactions, its connection to the festival?
I'm pleased because the two objectives I'd set myself for this first edition were met. Participation was up, with a total of 1556 accredited professionals for the market, of which 193 distributors and 66 sales agents, and deals were signed during the five days. It is really up to professionals to say how they found it, but I think they were satisfied by the organization, with a space specifically reserved for them, the reception and the ease of access to badges, theaters, etc. A market is intimately linked to a festival and vice versa. It's true that Alberto Barbera's balanced selection allowed me to interest and attract different kinds of distributors and sales agents, which is perfect for a market.
2/ How do you see the market evolving next year?
While remaining on a convivial level, I'd like to set up 3 or 4 private screening rooms to allow sales agents, whose films are selected for the festival, but who don't wish their titles to be seen in viewing booths, to organize private screenings for distributors. These screenings could also be used for the films which are presented at the end of the festival. I'm also planning to develop screenings of promo-reels of films shot over the summer.
3/ What's you best - and worst - memory of this year?
The best memory is of seeing the Industry Club full of relaxed professionals, and the worst is of seeing torrential rain just a half-hour before the opening night of the market was due to begin.