JANUARY 16, 2023 — It’s a common question: What’s on your bucket list? That is – on your list of things to do in your lifetime. For HR Representative Tony Lira, he had the chance to cross a big one off his list in the fall of 2022. Read the Q&A below to hear about his trip that had him elbow-to-elbow with the stars.
You recently completed a bucket-list item, tell us about that.
I was able to attend the Venice International Film Festival — one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in the world, hosted in Venice, Italy.
How long had you dreamed of going on this trip?
I have dreamed about this possibility for about a decade. The Venice International Film Festival is a big deal in the entertainment industry because it is viewed as a gateway to the awards season for films. Studios invest a lot into making a splash in hopes for the gold. The Venice Festival was a dream for a cinephile like me.
Where did your love of movies and pop culture begin?
Ever since I saw my first movie in theaters — which was the 20th anniversary re-release of E.T. I was so moved by that film. Movies are an escape for me because I love the storytelling in them. Following pop culture is a hobby, too. My formative years were the 2000s and early 2010s, meaning it was all more accessible to consume thanks to the rise of social media and television coverage. It’s fun to follow!
How did you manage to get access to the festival?
The festival offers credentials to university students of any study, and I am currently working towards my MBA in Human Resources. Once I found out that my access would be granted, I knew I had to try and take advantage of it. I applied and within a week, I was approved, and the trip was greenlit.
Tell us about how the week went? A timeline, highlights, etc.
This trip was a massive undertaking. Traveling to Venice by plane and train was not easy to do by myself, but Google Translate and context clues were my friends! Once in Venice, I was blown away by the beautiful architecture and art. The entire city is a marvel.
Every day, I would wake up at dawn to be taken by vaporetto (water taxis) to the island called Lido, which is where the festival is held. The entire island was decked out in luxury palazzos and piazzas just for the festival. It was beautiful.
Once there, the entire day was jam-packed with premieres, press conferences, galas and film screenings. With my accreditation, I had exclusive access to backstage areas and entry to the Hotel Excelsior, which is where celebrities mingle and do press junket interviews. Seeing everyone behind the curtain was incredible! I saw a total of 12 films and five of them were world premieres. My favorites of the festival were “Tar,” “Pearl,” “Bones and All,” “The Whale” and “Blonde.” These films really pushed the envelope with their concepts.
What was your favorite moment? It’s ok if you have a tie with a few!
The experience was too surreal for me to pick just one! I was watching the world premiere of movies in the same row as the cast and crew! I had interactions and conversations with amazing artists like Brad Pitt, Julianne Moore, Timothee Chalamet, Patricia Clarkson, Taylor Russell, Brendan Fraser, Penelope Cruz, Lili Reinhart, Ana de Armas, Harry Styles, Jodie Turner-Smith, Colin Farrell, Chris Pine, Joel Edgerton, Mia Goth and more! The experience was once-in-a-lifetime and I met amazing people during this trip — that will always mean something to me.
Not everyone’s dream is to fly across the world to attend a film festival – but do you have a message to anyone who wishes to chase a dream they have?
I would say just do it! If you have the means and the way, go for it! Always indulge in what will make you happy when you are able.
Michelle Smith says
Wow, TONY!!!! This is so exciting! I am so happy you were able to do this, and to share with all of us!!!