As Hollywood stars stay away, Venice lets the darkness in

This year’s Venice Film Festival saw a notable absence of Hollywood stars, allowing darker, more provocative films to take center stage. Among them were a scathing depiction of Elon Musk and a powerful documentary addressing Israeli actions in Gaza. These films underscore the festival's commitment to tackling controversial and significant global issues, reflecting a shift away from mainstream glamour towards more thought-provoking cinema. This change highlights the festival's role in fostering discussions around pressing social and political matters.