8th Venice International Film Festival (void)
# 8th Venice International Film Festival (void)

The "8th" annual (void) Venice International Film Festival was held from September 1 to September 8, 1940, less than three months after Italy had belatedly entered the Second World War as Germany's ally. The events were held in places far away from the Lido, and very few countries participated due to World War II and directors that were members of the Rome–Berlin axis. In fact the Festival lost its ‘international’ designation that year, as the war had reduced the number of participating nations to just three: Italy, Germany and, in a sparring role, Hungary. It became therefore the "Manifestazione cinematografica italo-tedesca", to reflect its Italo-German character. The two countries participated with seven feature films each, while Hungary had three. Additionally, a strong fascist political meddling from the Italian fascist government under Benito Mussolini had led to Italy experiencing a period of cultural depression oppressed by fascist propaganda.

## Jury

Although the festival is still competitive it takes place without an official jury. Awards are given by the festival's president based on the decision of Italian and German film delegates.

## In Competition

| English title | Original title | Director(s) | Production country |
| - | - | - | - |
| — | Muz z neznáma | Martin Frič | Bohemia |
| Opera Ball | Opernball | Géza von Bolváry | Nazi Germany |
| (The Postmaster) | Der Postmeister | Gustav Ucicky | Nazi Germany |
| A Mother's Love | Mutterliebe | Gustav Ucicky | Nazi Germany |
| — | Jud Süß | Veit Harlan | Nazi Germany |
| — | Befreite Hände | Hans Schweikart | Nazi Germany |
| — | Trenck, der Pandur | Herbert Selpin | Nazi Germany |
| The Siege of the Alcazar | L'assedio dell'Alcazar | Augusto Genina | Kingdom of Italy |
| — | Oltre l'amore | Carmine Gallone | Kingdom of Italy |
| — | La peccatrice | Amleto Palermi | Kingdom of Italy |

## Awards

* Mussolini Cup
   * Best Foreign Film - Der Postmeister (Gustav Ucicky)
   * Best Italian Film - The Siege of the Alcazar (Augusto Genina)
* Volpi Cup
   * Best Actor - Not awarded.
   * Best Actress - Not awarded.
