Venice Film Festival: Natalie Portman's directorial debut

And now, a Venice Film Festival participant quiz: Which of the following describes Natalie Portman?

A) lauded actress
B) vegan shoe designer
C) short film director
D) all of the above

The answer, of course, is D. The multi-talented Portman, actress and designer of a vegan shoe line for Té Casan, will unveil her directorial debut project, Eve, at the Venice Film Festival.

The 17-minute film, starring Lauren Bacall and Ben Gazzara, will show on Sept. 1, opening the international film fest’s short-film component. The festival organizers have reportedly labeled the film “a civilized comedy.” It will be shown in the out-of-competition category.

In related news, the hostess for the opening and closing ceremonies of the festival has been announced: Russian actress Ksenia Rappoport, best known in Italy for her role in Giuseppe Tornatore’s The Unknown. The festival opens Aug. 27 with a showing of the Coen Brothers’ Burn After Reading, starring George Clooney, Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand.

Related links:
Venice Film Festival online
News: Coen brothers' Burn After Reading coming Sept. 12
News: Coens' Burn After Reading to open Venice Film Festival

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