Documentary filmmaker Lance Oppenheim is making his narrative feature directorial debut with “Primetime“, which has been officially selected to premiere in the main competition of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. The 107-minute psychological crime thriller from A24 will compete for the prestigious Golden Lion.
“Primetime“
Written by Ajon Singh, “Primetime” dives into the origins of the landmark 2006 television program “To Catch a Predator”. Oscar-nominated actor Robert Pattinson stars as television host Chris Hansen, leading an ambitious news team that partners with law enforcement and undercover decoys to set up sting operations targeting suspected online child predators. The film examines the high-voltage intersection of investigative journalism, tabloid sensationalism, vigilante justice, and the birth of modern reality-driven crime entertainment.
Beyond taking on the lead role, Pattinson produced the project through his Icki Eneo Arlo banner alongside Lars Knudsen, Brighton McCloskey, Tyler Campellone, Fred Berger, and Brian Kavanaugh-Jones. The film’s ensemble cast includes Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, Anna Faris, and singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers. The production features cinematography by David Bolen, an original score by Ari Balouzian, and editing by Daniel Garber.
For Oppenheim, “Primetime” represents a dramatic expansion of his artistic vision. Known for his acclaimed, unvarnished documentary portraits of eccentric subcultures—such as “Some Kind of Heaven”, “Spermworld”, and the HBO series “Ren Faire”—Oppenheim brings his observational eye for American bizarre realities to a fully scripted narrative format.
Following its world premiere at Venice, A24 will release “Primetime” nationwide in United States theaters on September 25, 2026. On the Lido, Oppenheim’s debut will compete in a stacked international main competition. Other notable entries contending for the Golden Lion include Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard”, Florian Zeller’s “Bunker”, Casey Affleck’s “Company”, Ali Asgari’s “Kami nour”, Andrea Pallaoro’s “The Echo Chamber”, Martin McDonagh’s “Wild Horse Nine”, and Marco Bechis’s “Ritorno a Buenos Aires”.
From Fort Lauderdale to Venice
Born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States, Oppenheim turned 30 on January 26, 2026. The 83rd Venice International Film Festival runs from September 2-12, 2026 in Venice, Italy.
Separated by the Atlantic Ocean, Fort Lauderdale and Venice share a unique municipal kinship rooted in water, tourism, and nautical identity. In fact, Fort Lauderdale’s defining nickname— The Venice of America —was born out of direct inspiration from the historic Italian lagoon city.
Constructed in the early 20th century, Fort Lauderdale was intentionally engineered around an extensive network of artificial canals. With over 300 miles of navigable inland waterways weaving through its residential neighborhoods and downtown core, the Florida city echoes the aquatic urban layout pioneered by Venice centuries ago. Water taxis, yachts, and private boats replace traditional street traffic along these palm-lined channels.
This shared design philosophy naturally led to a formal connection: Fort Lauderdale and Venice are officially designated sister cities. The partnership fosters international cultural exchanges, trade discussions, and civic collaboration. Both destinations are renowned as world capitals for marine recreation and luxury boating—Venice for its traditional gondolas and historic regattas, and Fort Lauderdale for hosting one of the largest international boat shows on earth.
From architectural inspiration to shared economic reliance on tourism and boating, Fort Lauderdale proudly honors its Venetian namesake across the sea.
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