Son Of the Century.
DEADLINE:How are you feeling about the response to the films so far?
There has been a lot of positivity in the English-language media, at least.
Alberto BarberaGetty
Not many stinkers so far!
BARBERA: So far so good, I would say.
It has been very positive…
DEADLINE:Weve just had the premiere ofWolfs, which was a very hot ticket last night.
At the press conference, George Clooney mentioned his disappointment over Apple curtailing the films theatrical run.
Were you also surprised at that decision?
BARBERA: Yes, its a shame.
The movie is a real crowd-pleaser, so why not give it a chance?
It seems like Apple is rethinking its strategy when it comes to film investment.
Well see where it goes.
DEADLINE:Joker: Folie A Deuxis playing on Wednesday, which is relatively late.
BARBERA: Its entirely their [Warner Bros] choice.
This is how these things go.
There are always scheduling issues around talent and other factors.
DEADLINE:Do you know whether Joaquin Phoenix will be doing press this week forJoker: Folie A Deux?
BARBERA: I havent heard anything to the contrary.
I believe hell be at the press conference… Is there any connection to be drawn that these potentially politically sensitive projects arent in Competition here?
BARBERA: Absolutely none.
Each film is their own specific case.
I didnt think it was a Competition film for Venice but I invited it Out of Competition.
We discussed various options but couldnt get the time that suited everyone.
I wanted it here at the festival but didnt see it as a Competition film either.
I told them Id venture to give it as much support as possible.
But there is really no political issue around these choices…
The petition claimed that those films and filmmakers were in some way complicit in what is unfolding in Gaza.
The signatories also condemned theVenice Film Festivalfor what it called its silence over Israels atrocities against the Palestinian people.
What do you say to those filmmakers?
BARBERA: Have you seen any major film festival take a side in this conflict?
We are a space open to everyone and to people with different political views.
We show films that highlight different views on all sorts of issues.
I have my own personal views.
My own personal view is that Netanyahu [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] is a criminal.
Many of the Israeli population feel the same.
There are demonstrations to that effect every week… We must not forget the massacre that took place which sparked this conflict.
Its hard to even think about it.
What Netanyahu is doing in Gaza is a war crime, and so was October 7…
But we wouldnt ever withdraw a film on ideological grounds.
They claim that films and talent may be boycotted in future if access doesnt improve.
What do you make of that situation?
BARBERA: Im aware of the problem but its largely beyond our control.
We will reflect and discuss this issue right after the festival.
This is quite new for us.
I think this is part of the collateral damage from the transformational changes within the industry.
DEADLINE:Do you intend to speak to the studios about it?
BARBERA: I will.
I will have a go at help find a solution, but I dont think it will be easy.
