Venice Film Festival opens with tribute to coronavirus victims

The Venice film festival is underway in Italy, with Wednesday’s opening night paying tribute to people who have died from coronavirus.

It’s the first major film festival to take place since the pandemic began, although many international stars are unable to attend due to travel restrictions.

Director of the Venice film festival, Alberto Barbera, and jury president, the actress Cate Blanchett, touched elbows on the opening night.

Tilda Swinton received a golden lion award for lifetime achievement