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Two Boston-Focused Films, 'Spotlight' And 'Black Mass,' Debut At Venice Film Festival06:41
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September 05, 2015

David Boeri
Sharon Brody

"Black Mass" team (from left, actors Johnny Depp, Dakota Johnson, director Scott Cooper and actor Joel Edgerton) arrive on the red carpet at the 72nd Venice Film Festival, Friday, Sept. 4, 2015. "Spotlight," based on a Boston Globe investigation, is also debuting there. (Andrew Medichini/AP)

This article is more than 5 years old.

Two dark chapters in recent Boston history are on display this week at the Venice Film Festival, the world's longest running film festival.

Films debuting include "Spotlight," a feature about the Boston Globe investigation of sexual abuse by Catholic priests, and "Black Mass," a bio-pic about the crimes of convicted Boston mob boss James "Whitey" Bulger.

WBUR's David Boeri is in Venice gauging reaction to the two films. He joined Weekend Edition host Sharon Brody to discuss.

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