Walter Salles' 'Goodfellas' Prequel Debuts at Venice Film Festival

Vincent Maraval, Lucile Hadžihalilović and Gia Coppola Also Premiere Works

Salles' Gangster Drama Sets Stage for Festival's Competitive Main Slate

Walter Salles' highly anticipated "Goodfellas" prequel, "Wise Guys," made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, setting the stage for the festival's competitive main slate.

The film, which stars Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci, is a prequel to Martin Scorsese's classic 1990 gangster film "Goodfellas."

Also premiering at the festival were films from Vincent Maraval, Lucile Hadžihalilović, and Gia Coppola.

Maraval's "About Joan" is a documentary about Joan Didion, while Hadžihalilović's "Earwig" is a horror film about a young girl who is adopted by a strange couple.

Coppola's "Mainstream" is a comedy-drama about a social media influencer who becomes a viral sensation.

The Venice Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and its main slate competition is highly competitive.

The festival's jury is led by Cate Blanchett, and other members include Matt Dillon, Rodrigo Sorogoyen, and Ludivine Sagnier.

The festival will run until September 12th.