Esmé Fenick For any true cinema lover, attending a film festival is an experience one should relish at least once in a lifetime. The collective magnetic energy that is shared though the festival bubble is like a drug for the cinephile’s soul. While the idea of attending a prestigious festival may seem unattainable, especially for students, this article is here to show you otherwise. The Venice Film Festival, one of the world’s most renowned cinematic gatherings, is an extraordinary experience that is surprisingly accessible for students.
Having attended the Venice Film Festival for two consecutive years, I’ve collected my fair share of wisdom and lessons through unforgettable—and at times, challenging—experiences. Now, I’m excited to share that knowledge with fellow film-loving students who dream of attending this festival.
Let me begin by dispelling a common misconception: many assume that only celebrities, press, or those with exclusive invitations can attend the festival. In reality, one of the festival’s most enchanting qualities is its accessibility. Any student aged 18 or older, regardless of their course or level (yes, even PhD students), can apply for a cinema accreditation pass. The early bird rate is €80 (around £66), which grants you access to screenings of all films marked “tutti gli accreditati” (all pass holders)—including competition films, out-of-competition selections, and some premieres. Most of the highly-anticipated film premieres are available for the public, and although the tickets aren’t easy to get, from experience, it is possible and you are able to witness some truly historical cinematic moments!
Now, an important reality check: most of the festival’s glamour is reserved for celebrities and VIPs. As a student, your experience will be far from red-carpet elegance. Prepare for long days, uncomfortable seats, and moments of chaos—but that’s all part of the magic. The thrill of the films, the premieres, and the industry’s vibrant energy more than compensates for any discomfort. For me, the most exhilarating moments have been those spent as one of the first audience members to witness highly anticipated films. Watching a film for the first time, free of external influence or bias, is a rare, almost sacred experience. There’s something profoundly magical about it—a fresh, unfiltered perspective on stories that have yet to be shared with the world.
My Advice:
1. LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION…
When attending the festival, your choice of accommodation location is crucial. Ideally, you’ll want to stay on the Lido Island, where the festival takes place. However, finding affordable accommodation in this area during the festival time is close to impossible. In fact, it will likely be the biggest challenge you face. I strongly encourage you to persevere even if it means splurging on accommodation and tightening your budget elsewhere.
This year, I stayed nearly an hour away by Vaporetto (water bus), which made for exhausting days and limited my time on the island. I had to constantly be aware of the schedule to avoid missing the last boat back – which was far from ideal. If staying on or near the Lido isn’t possible, I recommend looking for accommodation near Vaporetto stations that connect to the festival directly.
Trust me, where you stay will have a significant impact on your overall festival experience. By staying close to the action, you’ll be able to fully immerse yourself in the festival’s energy without worrying about logistics – allowing you to enjoy the films and atmosphere with complete freedom.
2. BE FLEXIBLE ABOUT THE FILMS YOU WANT TO SEE
This festival requires a fair amount of preparation if you want to catch all the films on your list. About a month before the festival, you’ll need to be ready to book tickets through the website, so set alarms and reminders! I recommend diving deep into the festival lineup, reading about the films, and highlighting those you’re most excited about. Then, try to book as many screenings as possible using your accreditation. Don’t be shy—book everything that catches your eye, as you can cancel a film up to 10 minutes before it starts.
However, it’s equally important to stay flexible with your plans. Many of the films I have ended up seeing were booked at the last minute, when tickets unexpectedly became available. Often, these spontaneous choices turned out to be the most impactful and memorable screenings. So, keep an open mind, refresh the ticketing website regularly, and embrace the thrill of spontaneity. Persistence is key—tickets will free up, and maintaining a positive (and slightly delusional) mindset will pay off!
3. WATCH THE LESS ANTICIPATED FILMS
While the festival buzz often centres around highly anticipated Western films with star-studded casts, I highly recommend giving priority to out-of-competition films and lesser-known foreign films in the competition. These hidden gems are often the ones you won’t hear about again or have the chance to see elsewhere. In contrast, many of the competition films will get wider cinema releases later in the year, so keep that in mind when making your choices. For example, I stumbled upon an out-of-competition gem called “Diciannove (Nineteen)” by Giovanni Tortorici. Another standout was “The Quiet Son (Jouer avec le feu)” by Delphine and Muriel Coulin, a French competition film that didn’t have the same level of hype but left a lasting impression. These films often offer some of the most unique and unforgettable cinematic experiences, so don’t overlook them.
4. WATCH AS MUCH AS YOU CAN
Pack your schedule and watch as many films as possible! It may seem unnatural and intense at first, but getting into the rhythm of watching three films a day is the best way to make the most of your time and your pass. You’ll walk away from the festival feeling like you’ve had a lifetime’s worth of cinema – in the best way possible. Embrace the film marathon—you’ll have plenty of time to recover later.
5. GET YOURSELF A PREMIERE TICKET
If you’re feeling lucky, aim for a premiere ticket in the iconic Sala Grande. This space is steeped in cinematic history, making it a truly magical venue. Witnessing a film debut alongside the cast and crew is an experience like no other, filled with the energy of standing ovations and enthusiastic applause. To add to the excitement, seating is randomly assigned, so you never know who you might find yourself next to—perhaps the legendary director Pedro Almodóvar or the celebrated actor Jacob Elordi. It’s an unforgettable way to enhance your festival experience!
6. STAY FOR THE EVENINGS
Consider booking evening screenings to enjoy the festival’s lively atmosphere. The evenings offer a different energy, and there are several great bars nearby where you can grab a drink to debrief after the films. It’s a nice way to relax and connect with fellow film enthusiasts.
7. PACK FOR ALL WEATHER…
Be mindful of the weather and pack accordingly. I’ve been caught off guard by rain two years in a row. Be warned – Venice can get unbearably hot in August. Bring fans, lots of water but also an umbrella…just in case.
8. …AND FOR THE OCCASION!
While casual attire is suitable for most days at the festival—especially since you’ll be spending a lot of time in screenings—it’s essential to have a few elegant outfits ready for any unexpected premieres or events that require a more sophisticated look. I experienced this firsthand when my outfit felt very out of place at a premiere. It was a unique experience being surrounded by glamorous gowns while I had just come from a day of watching films. You never know when you might find yourself on the red carpet, so be prepared and come with clothes that present your best self!
9. FIND THE GOOD SPOTS
Make sure to identify some relaxing spots around the Lido to recharge during the festival. I found some great places such as the Hotel Excelsior, the terrace of the Sala Grande, and a lovely grassy patch near the Palazzo del Casino where I took some naps. These moments of rest are essential for surviving long days and longer films.
10. SECURE YOUR GROUP OF CINEPHILES
Definitely find a group of friends who share your love for film. Going with fellow cinephiles enhances the experience, as post-screening discussions are some of the best ways to spend your time at the festival. Debriefing about the films you just watched and predicting general opinions can lead to some enriching conversations. I found that 99% of my conversations with friends revolved around the films we’d seen or were planning to watch. You have the privilege of having an unbiased and fresh perspective on films at a festival like this, so make sure to engage in those discussions.
With the right preparation and passion for cinema, you can immerse yourself in this prestigious world and experience its magic firsthand. Good luck with your festival journey; I hope it’s filled with unforgettable films and moments! ★
