Venice Film Festival kicks off with latest film from Pedro Almodovar

By Baris Seckin

ROME (AA) - The 78th Venice International Film Festival kicked off Wednesday with a screening of Parallel Mothers (Madres Paralelas) by Spanish director Pedro Almodovar.

The stars of the film, Penelope Cruz and Milena Smit, attended the traditional red carpet opening ceremony and the screening at the world's oldest film festival in Venice, Italy.

The drama tells the story of two mothers who give birth on the same day and their parallel lives.

Oscar-winning Italian actor Roberto Benigni received the lifetime achievement Golden Lion Special Award, and dedicated the prize to his wife, Italian actress Nicoletta Braschi.

The festival will end with an award ceremony on Sept. 11.

US film Nomadland won the Golden Lion top prize at last year’s edition.