Alberto Barbera to Remain Venice Artistic Director Through 2028

Variety

by nvivarelli

March 3, 2026

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Alberto Barbera, the long-serving artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, has had his mandate extended through 2028, with the possibility of further renewal. The Venice Biennale’s board of directors, led by president Pietrangelo Buttafuoco, approved the two-year extension in recognition of Barbera’s achievements in curating high-quality films, discovering and promoting new international talents, advancing cinema culture, and expanding global audiences. This decision ensures that Barbera, who has been at the helm since 2012 and previously between 1998 and 2001, will continue to shape the festival’s future. Under Barbera’s leadership, the Venice Film Festival has become a cornerstone for films aiming for awards recognition. Recent examples include *Frankenstein*, *Bugonia*, *Gravity*, *Birdman*, *Spotlight*, *La La Land*, *The Shape of Water*, *Roma*, *Joker*, *Nomadland*, and *The Power of the Dog*. The festival has also served as a vital platform for emerging filmmakers worldwide, particularly through its Biennale College workshop, which supports micro-budget feature films. This commitment to nurturing new talent and fostering creativity has solidified Venice’s reputation as one of the most influential festivals in the world. Barbera’s career began in 1989 when he became artistic director of the Torino Film Festival, dedicated to young directors. Since then, he

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Originally published on Variety on 3/3/2026