Venice 2026 runs through Sept 12 after opening Sept 2 with Boyle's "Ink," anchored by an auteur-only competition that includes zero major studio titles. Three flashpoints dominate coverage: the Biennale's refusal to fly the Palestinian flag citing Italy's non-recognition, the 5% female-director competition share that Gyllenhaal labeled "systemic," and Barbera's tightrope over the EU's $2.3 million Biennale funding cut. Watch for the Golden Lion verdict and any escalation of the flag protest.