Peter Weir's Advice to Aspiring Directors at Venice Film Festival

Peter Weir, acclaimed Australian director, received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival. Offering advice to aspiring filmmakers, he stressed the importance of unplugging from modern distractions and focusing on mental exercises. He also reflected on his career and confirmed his retirement from directing.

Peter Weir, the Australian director renowned for films like "The Truman Show" and "Dead Poets Society," was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival on Monday. His advice to budding filmmakers: unplug from modern distractions to get ahead.

Weir, 80, whose notable works include "Witness" and "Picnic at Hanging Rock," emphasized returning to basics and escaping the noise of contemporary life. He recommended picking up a pencil and paper instead of a camera, advocating for mental exercises and solitude as tools for fostering creativity.

Despite offering guidance, Weir mentioned his reluctance to mentor aspiring directors, describing the filmmaking journey as inherently lonely. Tribute was paid to him by screening "Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World." Weir reflected on his career, revealing a preference for music over directing and confirming his retirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)