The "8th" annual (void) Venice International Film Festival was held from September 1 to September 8, 1940, less than three months after Italy had belatedly entered the Second World War as Germany's ally. The events were held in places far away from the Lido, and very few countries participated due to World War II and directors that were members of the Rome–Berlin axis. In fact the Festival lost its ‘international’ designation that year, as the war had reduced the number of participating nations to just three: Italy, Germany and, in a sparring role, Hungary. It became therefore the "Manifestazione cinematografica italo-tedesca", to reflect its Italo-German character. The two countries participated with seven feature films each, while Hungary had three. Additionally, a strong fascist political meddling from the Italian fascist government under Benito Mussolini had led to Italy experiencing a period of cultural depression oppressed by fascist propaganda.
Jury Although the festival is still competitive it takes place without an official jury. Awards are given by the festival's president based on the decision of Italian and German film delegates.
In Competition English title Original title Director(s) Production country A Mother's Love Mutterliebe Gustav Ucicky Nazi Germany Befreite Hände Hans Schweikart Der Postmeister Gustav Ucicky Nazi Germany Jud Süß Veit Harlan Nazi Germany Muž z neznáma Martin Frič Czechoslovakia Opera Ball Opernball Géza von Bolváry Nazi Germany Oltre l'amore Carmine Gallone Kingdom of Italy La peccatrice Amleto Palermi The Siege of the Alcazar L'assedio dell'Alcazar Augusto Genina Kingdom of Italy, Spain Trenck, der Pandur Herbert Selpin Nazi Germany
Official Awards Mussolini Cup: Best Foreign Film: Der Postmeister by Gustav Ucicky Best Italian Film: The Siege of the Alcazar by Augusto Genina Golden Crown: Jud Süß by Veit Harlan
References
External links
Venice Film Festival 1940 Awards on IMDb