Sep 7, 2015 The 72nd edition of the Venice film festival recently kick started, with the head of the competition jury calling on Europeans to extend a welcome to migrants.
The festival kicked off with a gala ceremony and the world premiere of the high-altitude thriller “Everest”. The event, which held at the Festival Palace on the Venice Lido, had in attendance the Italian President Sergio Mattarella, members of the competition jury and movie stars.
Speaking at the ceremony, president of the international jury, Alfonso Cuaron said:
“Good evening. First of all I would like to thank Alberto Barbera and Paolo Baratta for having invited me here. I am happy to be back in Venice and in the company of a jury made up of friends and people I admire very much. I also feel very fortunate. I am a Mexican living in Europe and I have always felt welcome. I would like that today, and in the future, that same welcome would be extended to all migrants. Thank you,”
With 21 films competing for the coveted Golden Lion award, stars and guests took to the red carpet to mark to start of the world’s oldest film festival,
Alongside Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, actresses Elizabeth Banks and Diane Kruger also made an appearance on the red carpet amidst cheers from fans.