It was quite exciting to read the media responses to the opening film of Venice International Film Festival, “Burn After Reading”. Some say that the film is anti-spy and there is nothing much to be revealed at the end of the it. The one-liner of George Clooney, one of the celebrity stars of the film, at a press conference itself was interesting: “The film talks about some incredibly idiotic people who do some really stupid things.” Sounds deconstructive !

We also have films of some renowned film makers in the Venice Festival. Ferzan Ozpetek, an outspoken gay director whose “His Secret Life” and “Facing Windows” attracted film lovers worldwide, is one among them. Master filmmaker from the Fine Arts school Abbas Kiarostami would also have some great film experience to offer the audience in his “Shirin”. Kiarostami’s films speak a different language, I have often felt. Western media might have sketched a different picture of Iran for being anti-US, for being supportive of Muslim sentiments around the world and the like. But Kiarostami’s films, especially his Earthquake Trilogy, explore true art, without involving in political exchanges.

Twenty one films are included in the competition category. The 65th Venice Film Festival also bestows a career Golden Lion for Italian film director Ermanno Olmi. This year’s festival is dedicated to recently died Egyptian filmmaker Youssef Chahine. The Festival, which started on Aug 27, runs through September 6.