Affleck, Koreeda, McDonagh, Herzog films to compete for Venice Golden Lion

The 83rd Venice Film Festival's official selection boasts a lineup of acclaimed directors, including Casey Affleck, Hirokazu Koreeda, Martin McDonagh, and Werner Herzog, all vying for the prestigious Golden Lion.

Festival director Alberto Barbera announced the 20 films that will compete. Among the notable entries is Casey Affleck's directorial debut, 'Company,' starring Nick Nolte. Werner Herzog will present 'Bucking Fastard,' featuring Kate and Rooney Mara, and Orlando Bloom. Japanese director Koreeda adapts a popular manga in 'Look Back,' while McDonagh returns with 'Wild Horse Nine,' starring John Malkovich.

Other anticipated entries include Lee Chang-dong's 'Possible Love,' inspired by Krzysztof Kieślowski's 'The Decalogue,' and Nanni Moretti's 'Succederà questa notte,' co-produced by Spain and starring Louis Garrel. The lineup also features 'Bunker' by Florian Zeller, with Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem, and Marco Bechis's 'Ritorno a Buenos Aires,' based on his experience during Argentina's military dictatorship.

Lance Oppenheim's 'Prime Time,' starring Robert Pattinson, and four Italian productions, including Moretti's film, are also in contention. Notably, only one film, 'Woman Unknown' by Danish-Egyptian director May el-Toukhy, is directed by a woman in the official selection. Danny Boyle's 'Ink' will open the festival.

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The director of the Mostra, Alberto Barbera, announced this Thursday the list of 20 films that make up the official section of the 83rd edition of the festival, of which only one is directed by a woman, the Danish-Egyptian May-el-Toukhy.