Venice Film Festival to Open with ‘Ink’ on September 2
The 83rd Venice International Film Festival will take place on the Lido in Venice from September 2 to 12, 2026. The opening film will be Danny Boyle’s ‘Ink,’ which will have its world premiere on September 2 at the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema.
‘Ink’ is both the opening film and a competition entry receiving its world premiere.
The Real-Life Background Behind the Film
The film dramatizes Rupert Murdoch’s acquisition of the British daily newspaper The Sun in 1969 and his appointment of Larry Lamb to run it. The Associated Press reported that the film depicts The Sun’s rise to become one of the most influential tabloids in Britain.
In the festival’s official announcement, Danny Boyle described the launch of The Sun in 1969 as an event that changed the world. However, the film’s depiction of real history should be considered separately from its quality and awards prospects, and its final outcome cannot be determined before its release.
The Director and Main Cast
‘Ink’ is directed by Danny Boyle, with a screenplay by James Graham based on his play of the same name. The main cast includes:
- Jack O’Connell: The Sun editor Larry Lamb
- Guy Pearce: Rupert Murdoch
- Claire Foy: An actor in the film
Rupert Murdoch is a real person portrayed in the film; this does not mean that Murdoch himself appears in it. Guy Pearce plays Murdoch.
What to Check Before the Opening
The festival’s official program and screening schedule may change, so they should be checked again shortly before September 2. The details currently confirmed include the opening date, the selection as the opening film, the world premiere, its screening in competition, the director, screenwriter and main cast, and the historical subject matter.
The audience response, critical reception and awards results for ‘Ink’ can be confirmed only after its world premiere.