Venice Film Fest to open Sept. 2 with Tornatore’s movie on his native Sicilian town

Tornatore’s ‘Baaria’ to open Venice Film Fest

ROME — Organizers say this year’s Venice Film Festival will open with “Baaria,” a movie by Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore on his native Sicilian town.

It is the first time in two decades that an Italian film headlines the festival, which opens its 66th edition Sept. 2 and culminates Sept. 12 with the awarding of the coveted Golden Lion.

Organizers said in a statement Wednesday that “Baaria” will be one of the movies in competition.

The film follows three generations living through the 20th century in Tornatore’s hometown of Bagheria, or Baaria in the local dialect.

The 53-year-old Tornatore won an Oscar for best foreign film in 1990 with “Cinema Paradiso.” He was also nominated in 1996 for “The Star Maker.”