82nd Venice Film Festival Features Putin Documentary, Major Film Premieres

The 82nd Venice Film Festival showcased a diverse range of films and events, including the premiere of "The Smashing Machine," starring Dwayne Johnson in a dramatic role as UFC fighter Mark Kerr, which has already generated Oscar buzz. Johnson expressed his desire to break free from his typical action-comedy roles, encouraged by co-star Emily Blunt and director Benny Safdie, with Kerr himself attending the festival. The festival also featured the prestigious Biennale College program, which supports emerging filmmakers with unique perspectives, selecting eight filmmakers this year to develop their projects. Among notable events was the amfAR gala, highlighted by a high-stakes art auction where artist Julian Schnabel contributed two portraits that sold for over a million dollars combined, underscoring the event's philanthropic and cultural significance. Additionally, the festival presented "The Wizard of the Kremlin," a satirical film featuring Jude Law portraying Vladimir Putin, exploring media manipulation and political power, and competing for the Golden Lion award. The presence of stars like Johnson, Blunt, Indya Moore, Son Ye-jin, and Lee Byung-hun added to the festival's star-studded appeal.