The /Acts series was born from the desire to explore the activities and themes of La Biennale di Venezia in greater depth, with each book focusing on a specific aspect. At around 100 pages, each volume highlights one of the Institution’s many projects through the voices of the directors and curators involved, as well as documents preserved in the Historical Archive of La Biennale. Inspired by Leonardo Sciascia, the title of the series has been adapted for an international audience, reflecting the Institution’s commitment to engaging with the contemporary world.
Just as Acts Relating to the Death of Raymond Roussel is structured as an investigation seeking to uncover a mystery without diminishing its enigmatic quality, the /Acts series reveals the fascination of contemporary art one piece at a time, one book at a time, conveying the lively interest and passion that sustain the Institution.
The first volume focuses on the Biennale Cinema. Alberto Barbera’s words take the reader on a passionate journey through the history of the Venice International Film Festival.
The book is divided into five sections, each built around a question posed to the Artistic Director by two young researchers participating in the Biennale College Archivio – Scrivere in residenza project, and by three young selectors. The topics explored include the Festival’s Orizzonti, Short Films and Venice Immersive sections, independent American cinema, and a dialogue between young filmmakers and the classics of cinema.
The book concludes with an overview of the structure of the Biennale Cinema, a list of its Artistic Directors, and a biography of Alberto Barbera.
The graphic design is by Sebastiano Girardi Studio, Venice.