Directors Valérie Donzelli, Carolina Cavalli to Head Venice Sidebar Juries
'The Queen of Hearts' director Donzelli will head up the Horizons jury, while 'Amanda' filmmaker Cavalli will chair the jury for best first feature.
'The Queen of Hearts' director Donzelli will head up the Horizons jury, while 'Amanda' filmmaker Cavalli will chair the jury for best first feature.
Read Full Story at Hollywood Reporter →Why This Matters
The appointments of Donzelli and Cavalli signal a deliberate shift in Venice’s Horizons sidebar toward directors whose work thrives on raw emotional intensity and unconventional storytelling. Their leadership suggests a jury that values bold, intimate filmmaking over mainstream appeal—a reminder that the festival still carves space for voices that challenge conventional cinema.
Background Context
Horizons, Venice’s longest-running sidebar, has historically been a launching pad for directors outside the industry’s traditional power centers, often prioritizing female and queer perspectives. Cavalli’s debut, *Amanda*, became a cult favorite for its unflinching portrayal of grief, while Donzelli’s *The Queen of Hearts* was praised for its dark, psychological depth—both fitting for a jury tasked with rewarding innovation over accessibility.
What Happens Next
With these choices, the Horizons jury may elevate films that prioritize emotional rawness over polished narratives, potentially sidelining more commercially minded submissions. Observers will watch whether this direction attracts younger audiences or risks alienating traditional film critics who favor Cannes-style prestige. The outcome could redefine what “alternative” cinema means at Venice.
Bigger Picture
This reflects a broader European festival trend: juries increasingly favoring directors who blend personal storytelling with genre experimentation, a shift away from the auteurism of the 2000s toward something more fluid. As streaming giants dominate distribution, such programming choices may become Venice’s strongest argument for remaining a hub for cinematic risk-taking.
