This year's Orizzonti competition section features the drama Happy Holidays by director and screenwriter Scandar Copti. In the film, co-produced by Red Balloon from Hamburg, four interlinked characters talk about their unique life situations, which illustrate the complexity between genders, generations and cultures. Rami, a Palestinian from Haifa, has to deal with his Jewish girlfriend's sudden change of heart about her planned abortion. His mother Hanan is in a financial crisis. Miri is forced to deal with her daughter's depression while trying to prevent her sister's pregnancy with Rami. And Fifi has a secret that jeopardises her family's reputation.

In their VR experience Below Deck, the filmmaking duo Martina Mahlknecht and Martin Prinoth from Schleswig-Holstein allow viewers to look behind the luxurious façade of a cruise ship and experience the unknown world of low-wage Filipino workers. In a walk-through installation, the audience slips into the role of a tourist and is invited to explore the scenic miniatures re-enacted by the Filipino crew members. The VR project celebrates its world premiere in the Venice Immersive section.

The romantic comedy No Good Men by Director Shahrbanoo Sadat will be presented at this year's Venice Gap Financing Market. What is it about? Naru, who believes that there are no good men, falls head over heels in love with TV reporter Qodrat. However, there are a few problems: he is married, twice her age - and they live in Kabul.