Venice, Italy — Paolo Sorrentino’s latest film, “La Grazia,” has been selected as the opening feature of the upcoming Venice Film Festival. This poignant love story reunites the acclaimed director with actor Toni Servillo, best known for his role in Sorrentino’s Oscar-winning film, “The Great Beauty.”
Set to compete on the prestigious Lido, “La Grazia,” which translates to “Grace” in English, explores themes of love against the enchanting backdrop of Italy. While specific details about the plot remain closely guarded, the collaboration promises to deliver the unique storytelling style that Sorrentino is known for.
In this film, Servillo shares the screen with Italian actress Anna Ferzetti, who recently gained acclaim for her performance in Ferzan Ozpetek’s popular film, “Diamonds.” This marking is the seventh collaboration between Sorrentino and Servillo, a partnership that began with the director’s 2001 debut, “One Man Up,” where Servillo portrayed a struggling, addiction-riddled musician.
Servillo’s impressive portfolio extends to diverse roles in Sorrentino’s works, including his gripping portrayal of a heroin-addicted accountant in “The Consequences of Love” and his nuanced depiction of Italian politician Giulio Andreotti in “Il Divo.” His memorable performance as Jep Gambardella in “The Great Beauty” solidified his status as a prominent figure in international cinema, earning accolades and a global following.
Alberto Barbera, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, expressed excitement about kicking off the event with Sorrentino’s film. He noted that Sorrentino made his festival debut in 2001 during Barbera’s early tenure, emphasizing the director’s strong connection to Venice over the years.
Sorrentino’s body of work has been frequently showcased at major film festivals, with his earlier films often premiering at Cannes. However, his relationship with Venice has intensified, culminating in the unveiling of his Emmy-nominated series “The Young Pope” and his acclaimed 2021 feature, “The Hand of God,” which received the Silver Lion-Grand Jury Prize.
Barbera remarked that “La Grazia” is poised to resonate deeply with audiences, highlighting its originality and relevance to contemporary issues. The anticipation surrounding its premiere underscores Sorrentino’s status as a defining voice in contemporary cinema.
Produced by The Apartment and Sorrentino’s own Numero 10, “La Grazia” will be distributed by PiperFilm in Italy, while Mubi holds worldwide rights outside of Italy and The Match Factory oversees international sales.
Additionally, the festival is expected to feature other notable films, including Jim Jarmusch’s “Father Mother Sister Brother,” which boasts a star-studded cast including Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver. The lineup points towards a vibrant competition that will highlight significant contributions to filmmaking.
As the festival gears up for its 82nd edition, former Oscar winner Alexander Payne will preside over the main jury. The Venice Film Festival is set to run from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, with the full lineup scheduled for release on July 22.