Pedro Almodovar movie to kick off Venice International Film Festival

Looking across to the Church of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice (John Walton/PA)

The Venice International Film Festival will kick off its 78th edition in September with the premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s film Madres Paralelas.

Organisers said on Monday that the film about two, single and pregnant women starring Penelope Cruz, Milena Smit and Israel Elejalde will debut as part of the competition slate on September 1.