The Other Venice Film Festival founding venue at The Electric Lodge, a solar powered theater. The Electric Lodge was conceived and created by Dr. Joel Shapiro, a performer and physician. After dancing and acting on stage for 14 years (and off for over 30!) he wanted to build a home for fellow artists to work and "paint" their personal and societal joys, angst, confusions, defeats and victories onto the canvas of a stage. Joel also recognized the innate design of the space could house the exhibition of paintings and sculpture and serve as a studio for still photographers. With the addition of a commercial kitchen, the Lodge is also a gathering place for seminars and benefits of all types. Joel's desire to encourage the goal of a sustainable Earthly environment, has led him to convert the Lodge to a solar powered venue and invite environmental activists to take advantage of the capacity of the Lodge. Thus, he and the entire Lodge family welcome you to join the many spirits roaming the Lodge, in continuing to create an epicenter of change, gathering and artistic expression in the heart of Venice.