Venice Critics Week 2025: All the Info

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Hey traveler, are you ready for Venice Critics Week 2025? Here’s all the info on this amazing parallel event to the Film Festival.

Find out more in this guide by Venice Insider Guide.

What is Venice Critics Week (Settimana della Critica Venezia)

The Venice Critics Week – or in Italian, Settimana Internazionale della Critica – is an independent section of the Venice International Film Festival. Organized by the Italian National Syndicate of Film Critics (SNCCI), this section is dedicated to first films by new directors, carefully selected to give space to new voices in the world cinema.

The atmosphere is different from the red carpet of the big names: here you breathe the freshness of emerging cinema, often with brave stories, aesthetic experiments and provocative content. This is the place to discover the “new cinema” before it goes mainstream.

Venice Critics Week 2025: new edition presentation

The 2025 edition of Venice Critics Week is going to be amazing. Seven films in competition, all world premieres, plus opening and closing films out of competition.

The thread? Innovative storytelling, the courage to tell the present and, of course, a big focus on female directors and queer and marginal identities.

So, this year we reach the 40th edition (40.SIC) with Beatrice Fiorentino as artistic director. The lineup features international talents and some special events out of competition.Among the most anticipated titles is "100 Nights of Hero", the fantasy graphic novel adaptation by Isabel Greenberg, starring Emma Corrin (yes, the Diana from The Crown).

The program reflects the desire to explore new languages and unconventional stories, confirming Venice Critics Week as the beating heart of avant-garde cinema during the Festival.

When Venice Critics Week 2025

Venice Critics Week 2025 will take place from August 27 to September 6, during the Venice Film Festival.

Screenings and events will be held in the first days of the festival, so get there early to not miss the films in competition, masterclasses and meetings with new directors.

Where Venice Critics Week 2025

The magic happens on Lido di Venezia, particularly at Cinema Astra. This historic cinema, cozy and informal, is the logistical hub of the Critics’ Week.

Lido is just 15 minutes by vaporetto from Piazza San Marco, and during the festival it becomes a cosmopolitan crossroads of actors, critics, directors and film lovers. Walking from one screening to another will feel like walking in a film lover’s dream.

Useful info on Venice Critics Week 2025

Many ask what to know about Venice Critics Week 2025. Here’s everything you need to know:

  • Tickets: many events are free on request. Others require accreditation or single ticket. Check the official website to book.
  • Languages: films are generally screened in original language with English and Italian subtitles.
  • Accessibility: rooms are accessible for people with disabilities.
  • Dress code: casual! No red carpet, just film passion.
  • Tips: bring a water bottle (it’s hot!), book in advance and attend the Q&A with the directors. Those are the most fun moments!

Fun facts on Venice Critics Week 2025

A little extra magic? This year the line-up has been featured on international outlets like Variety. The opening film "100 Nights of Hero" promises a visionary aesthetic and a powerful feminist narrative. Just one of the many titles that could become tomorrow’s cult.

Also, in 2025 the selection has focused a lot on female directors, LGBTQIA+ narratives and post-pandemic scenarios. It’s a sign of a cinema that’s renewing and reflecting the changing world.

Venice Critics Week 2025 programme

Here are the seven films in competition and two out of competition, according to the SIC website:

  • Ish – Imran Perretta (Italy)
  • Roqia – Yanis Koussim (Algeria)
  • Cotton Queen – Suzannah Mirghani (Italy)
  • Waking Hours – Federico Cammarata, Filippo Foscarini (Italy)
  • Straight Circle – Oscar Hudson (UK)
  • Stereo Girls – Caroline Deruas Peano (France)
  • 100 Nights of Hero – Julia Jackman (UK) (out of competition)
  • Gorgonà – Evi Kalogiropoulou (Greece)
  • AGON – Giulio Bertelli (Italy)

Venice Critics Week 2025: End

Travelers and film lovers, Venice Critics Week 2025 is not just a film festival: it’s an authentic and immersive experience in the heart of the city.

An opportunity to discover new directors, live Venice in an alternative way and be surprised by stories that touch the soul.

Venice Critics Week 2025 is a creative oasis where you’ll find new stories and new talents from around the world. If you love discovery cinema, mark these dates: 27 August – 6 September at Lido, with big surprises like “100 Nights of Hero”.