The selection has been announced for the 4 projects that will proceed to the production phase of the Biennale College – Cinema, consisting of two further workshops that will make it possible to actually make a mini-budget film, with funding of 150,000 euros each (about $160,000). 

The 4 projects, chosen at the end of the first workshop from the 12 previously selected projects from all around the world (presented by a team of directors and producers) follow below. Of note, given this blog’s interest, is "La Soledad" (photo above)- a Venezuelan drama from director Jorge Thielen Armand, with a synopsis that reads: "Beleaguered by the need to survive in the urban jungle of Caracas, a boy discovers that the decrepit shanty he is unlawfully occupying is soon to be demolished. Hoping to save his family from a life without a home, he begins to search for a stash of gold that is said to be hidden within its walls."

Here are the 4 selected films follows:

– "Mukti Bhawan" ("Hotel Salvation") (India)

Dir. Shubhashish Bhutiani, prod. Sanjay Bhutiani

– "Orecchie (Ears) (Italy)

Dir. Alessandro Aronadio, prod. Coldagelli

– "Quimili" (Argentina)

Dir. Sofia Brockenshire, prod. Verena Kuri

– "La Soledad" (Venezuela)

Dir. Jorge Thielen Armand, prod. Adriana Herrera and Manon Ardisson

The Biennale also admitted, as a one-time exception, the top-ranked Italian project, considering its particular interest and quality. 

The goal is to present the 4 feature-length films, debut or second works, at the coming 73rd Venice International Film Festival (August 31 – September 10, 2016), directed by Alberto Barbera and organized by the Biennale chaired by Paolo Baratta.

The 8 projects that will not continue to the second workshop will still be given various opportunities to find co-producers in collaboration with IFP, TorinoFilmLab and others.