“REEL WOMEN” celebrated the voices of women in film at the prestigious The Venice Film Festival.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious demonstrations of international cinema. Taking place on September 1, 2025 in Venice, Italy, this festival has been a birth place to some of the most celebrated works in film, and is to this day still one of the European “Big Three” festivals (alongside Cannes and Berlin). 

The festival draws in the film community from all over the world to its red carpets and screenings each year, platforming emerging filmmakers and talent while also highlighting already established talent in the entertainment industry. It features major world premieres, red carpets with stars, and the esteemed Golden Lion award for the best film. It was held from Wednesday, August 27 to Saturday, September 26 in 2025.

This year, Maria Soccor hosted   at the 82nd Venice Film Festival to put a  spotlight on the amazing women working in the film industry. Maria Soccor is an award-winning actress, producer, director and filmmaker whose work has spanned documentary, narrative, and producing projects with a focus on underrepresented voices. Soccor frequents these international film festivals as a moderator, mentor, and champion of emerging filmmakers. She has been a long-time advocate of inclusivity and gender equality within art spaces, and consistently uses her platform to speak up for and amplify overlooked voices and perspectives. Soccor hosted REEL WOMEN in order to create a space for dialogue, connection and recognition at one of the most influential cultural gatherings for film in the world. 

This exclusive, late-night gathering took place at 10:00 PM in the Campari Lounge, which is a stunning bar area and event space in front of Palazzo del Cinema and on the sea, directly across from the iconic red carpet. It was presented by Campari in partnership with Maria Soccor Productions Inc. and Jane Owen Public Relations, an award-winning PR and events firm with over two decades of experience supporting top talents and brands at major international film festivals.  Campari is an iconic red bitter aperitif that is the flagship product of Campari group, which is an Italian company that produces spirits, wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. The evening featured gourmet appetisers and artisanal cocktails (courtesy of Campari) accompanied by elevated canapés and Italian hospitality, and a bar service delivered by Camparino in Galleria: one of the world’s best bars. A DJ and entertainment also brought the energy to this all-night event.

The event united filmmakers, actors, producers, and industry leaders in celebration of female voices and stories in cinema and entertainment. REEL WOMEN offered insightful networking and an elegant tribute spotlighting REEL WOMEN honorees. There were several notable film-industry names who attended this event. 

Actor Jared Harris and his wife, Allegra Riggio attended. Harris had his film A House of Dynamite premiere at The Venice Film Festival last week, which generated significant buzz for the political thriller. Film producer Debra Gainor attended the event as well with Producers without Borders. Producer Vicktoria Silmara Turmina of Mindgate Motion Pictures and the founder of The Members Club and Producers Without Borders, Jojo Dye, showed up. The founder of one of the world’s premiere independent film publicity agencies, Jane Owen, made an appearance as well as Ann Hafström of the Creative Lifestyle Agency. Actresses Agatha Levi and Tora Kims, and models Gillian Nation and Tia Goossen attended as well. 

“Venice has long been a platform for extraordinary storytelling, and REEL WOMEN was a chance to gather in recognition of the incredible female talent shaping the industry today,” said Maria Soccor. 

Soccor’s event underscored the urgency and importance of continuing to champion and uplift diverse storytellers from all backgrounds in front of and behind the camera. This private, invite only event reinforced the commitment of Campari and its partners to supporting creativity, inclusivity, and the next generation of storytellers. 

REEL WOMEN remained vibrant into the night, and was constantly buzzing with conversation, collaboration, and the unmistakable energy of the last night of The Venice Film Festival. This event was a great space for women in film to network and to lift up voices in the film industry that aren’t heard or seen as much as others.