'No national bias' on Venice film award jury

The director of the Venice Film Festival insisted today that there was no national quota when he was questioned about a lack of English-language films in this year’s event.

Marco Muller acknowledged that there were no UK films competing for the Golden Lion this year.

But he added: “We don’t judge on the basis of a national quota.

“We start from the emotions.”

Jury president Wim Wenders said he was looking for films which were “truly contemporary”.

He said: “We will not be prejudiced.”

Wenders said the jury would not be biased in terms of nations, adding: “We will give everyone the same chance.”

The German film director was asked by a journalist if he would set rules for the jury.

He replied: “As far as rules are concerned I am German, yes it’s true, but I am not so obsessed with rules as some of my compatriots.”