Staff Writer Hannah Skyrme gives tips on how to attend the Venice Film Festival as a student on a budget
Attending the Venice Film Festival (La Biennale Di Venezia) as a student is one of the best-kept secrets in European cinema culture. While major international film events often feel like a world of their own, Venice welcomes students with open arms, providing you know how to navigate the system, secure your badge, and survive the marathon of late-summer screenings.
Securing Your Student Accreditation
The ultimate cheat code for students is the official Student Cinema Accreditation. Unlike tickets for the general public, this pass is designed for both undergraduate and master’s students, alongside PhD candidates, regardless of what you study.
You must apply online for the student pass. Applications open in early February, when you must submit either a certificate to confirm enrollment at your university or your Letter of Entitlement for the current academic year. Once completed, you will receive an email with a link to pay for your pass. The early bird rate is €80, which needs to be paid by early June. After this date, the full fee of €95 is required.
What’s included?
You get access to screenings marked “Tutti gli accrediti” (All pass holders), entry to the Venice Immersive Virtual Reality section, discounted prices on public transport (vaporettos and buses) around the Lido, and access to masterclasses with actors and directors (this is first-come, first-served, so be prepared to queue, and get there early, as there is limited seating available!).
Planning and Accommodation
Accommodation of the Lido during late August and September is notoriously expensive. However, one of the biggest student perks is the cheaper accommodation options available.
Using your approved accreditation, the Venice Film Festival offers students accommodation in university residences at special festival rates. They have three residences located on the island of Mestre and mainland Venice, offering a much more affordable option than booking a hotel or Airbnb on the Lido.
Mastering the Screening Schedule
Once everything has been confirmed, in late August, the bookings for screenings open. This happens in stages: tickets for the first three days are released first, followed by the next three-day block two days later, continuing like this for the remainder of the festival.
Then, book everything you can as screenings fill up within seconds. It is important to be quick and to book any film that catches your eye. You can release/cancel tickets up to ten minutes before the film begins without penalty.
Also, make sure you discover hidden gems, as most people will be going for the main-competition tickets. Look out for the out-of-competition selections or the independent critic programs. These hidden gems often have some of the most exciting films of the year.
Finally, keep an open mind. Seats frequently open-up last minute through the website’s waiting pool, so, persistence will grant you access to major screenings. If there are empty seats left at screenings, get there around two hours early to try snag one, as the queue can get very long.
Survival Tips for the Lido
Firstly, pack for variable weather conditions. While late summer on the Lido is mostly full of sunshine and temperatures up to thirty degrees, it can also have torrential thunderstorms, which can appear seemingly out of nowhere.
Secondly, dress appropriatley. Venice is a fashionable city. Although you don’t need a designer tuxedo for a morning screening, bring at least one formal outfit just in case you manage to get a red-carpet premiere slot or want to take a classic photo along the Palazzo Del Cinema!
Finally, food directly on the main festival strip can be expensive. Find local bakeries and grocery spots away from the main festival to keep your energy up while on a student budget!
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