But that wasnt the cue for a studio and streamer exodus.
Instead, Barbera said today thatChallengerswas the only movie to pull out of the festival.
DEADLINE:Congratulations on pulling together a strong lineup despite the obvious and large challenges.
Bradley Cooper in ‘Maestro,’ Penélope Cruz on set of ‘Ferrari’ & Alberto BarberaNetflix/MEGA/GC Images/Getty
How much convincing did you have to do of the studios and streamers?
ALBERTO BARBERA:Very little, actually.
The only really difficult discussion we had was with Amazon and MGM about Lucas [Guadagnino] film.
‘Maestro’Netflix
From the beginning, they were anxious.
We had to scramble to find a replacement opening film.
We were sorry to loseChallengersbecause its a spectacular film.
They ultimately thought that it would hurt the films commercial prospects to launch the film without Zendayas support.
I closed the lineup two weeks ago.
All the movies announced today were invited before the strike.
In the first couple of days of the strike there were a lot of meetings at the studios.
There was a lot of panic across the entire industry.
But we got confirmation from our studios early last week.
We didnt get any calls from them saying they may pull out.
We know some talent wont be able to attend.
He said he wouldnt want to do that to SAG or his fellow actors.
DEADLINE:Ive tallied the actors who could potentially be here with indie movies.
Its still a very strong list.
But in answer to your two questions, no, not so far.
DEADLINE:Which of the movies in your lineup stand out as potential Academy Award pictures?
BARBERA: For sure Michael Manns filmFerrari; for sure David Finchers filmThe Killer; and Bradley Coopers filmMaestro.
Id be surprised if these movies werent in the Oscar race.
BARBERA: Its another point of view.
Sofia wants to tell the real story of Priscilla and I think she succeeds.
Priscilla Presley herself is happy with the film.
Its an intimate film, though.
Its the opposite of Baz Luhrmanns movie.
DEADLINE:AfterMank, it looks likeThe Killerwill take David Fincher back to his more familiar thriller terrain?
BARBERA: Yes, absolutely.
Its based on a French graphic novel and the film is very violent.
Its breathtaking from beginning to the end.
Michael Fassbender is fantastic.
Did you have any doubt about including Roman Polanski in the lineup?
BARBERA: Not at all.
We invited Roman three years ago and he won the Grand Jury Prize for his film.
The debate hasnt changed.
Were stuck in this useless situation that doesnt make any sense from my point of view.
Roman has admitted his behavior and accepted it was wrong.
The victim has forgiven him multiple times.
Why do we need to continue to attack an 89 year-old master of cinema?
DEADLINE:You said today that he wouldnt be coming to the festival.
BARBERA: He cant travel because of the extradition agreement between Italy and the U.S. …
The situations of Woody Allen and Luc Besson are different.
Were discussing things that dont exist.
Otherwise we need to reevaluate art throughout all of history.
DEADLINE:Did you ask your team including the female members whether they were comfortable with Polanskis inclusion?
BARBERA: They are.
I didnt get one objection.
DEADLINE:Which movie in Competition might surprise people?
BARBERA: There are a few we didnt see coming.
The new film from Hamaguchi [Ryusuke Hamaguchi, director ofDrive My Car], for example.
Its not too long.
Its a beautiful film about the environment and the effects of climate change.
Hamaguchi is a real artist.
The film is very brave and takes a stand.
Its a very human drama about a man who wants to become a woman.
I think the plan is to release the film in Poland soon after Venice.
Why isnt it in Competition?
BARBERA:We saw the film early.
We immediately invited it to the Orizzonti competition back in March or April.
But its a great movie.
BARBERA: Warner Bros told me back in February thatDune: Part Twowouldnt be ready.
Budget seemed to be an issue for them.
I didnt entirely understand it.
I hope to meet them soon and figure something out for next time.
I dont thinkBlitzwas ready either.
And as forA Haunting In Venice, best to confirm with Disney.
We discussed it with them but ultimately the decision was for it not to play here.
DEADLINE:Are there any particular celebrations planned for the 80th anniversary of the festival?
BARBERA:Were not planning a special party at the moment.
We do have this beautiful documentary about the history of the festival made by Canal Plus and Rai.
Itll air on Saturday, 2nd September.
Carla Bruni is narrating in both French and Italian versions.
