Venice Film Festival Increases Anti-Terror Security
Extra security measures are being taken at this year’s Venice Film Festival following the recent deadly terror attack in Barcelona, Spain.
Extra security measures are being taken at this year’s Venice Film Festival following the recent deadly terror attack in Barcelona, Spain.
“We are countering the terrorism threat with policemen, cement boulders and security savvy,” president of the Venice Biennele, the organization responsible for the festival, said.
Paolo Barrata added that he is pleased so far with the additional security precautions they’ve enforced.
According to local reporters, the anti-terrorist effort includes security checks and cement bollards to prevent vehicle attacks, floating security devices in the lagoon, plainclothes policemen with body cameras and sharpshooters on rooftops.
“Italy is full of tourists,” Barrata said. “We need to have faith in our institutions and in our selves. And I think that we, like all those who can feel threatened, can be proud of the way we are reacting.”
The world-renowned festival had a successful opening day on Wednesday, which saw Italian president Sergio Mattarella disembark on the Lido.
The Venice Film Festival is the oldest film festival of its kind and acts as a major launch pad and predictor for Academy Award winners – La La Land, Arrival, Spotlight, Birdman and Gravity all had their world premieres there.
This year's festival opened with the premiere of Alexander Payne's Downsizing, starring Matt Damon.