Six Fremantle Productions Featured At Venice Film Festival
Star director Paolo Sorrentino will open the festival with his new film “La Grazia.”
The Venice International Film Festival is among the most prestigious in the world – and this year’s edition once again features a strong showing of high-caliber, award-winning productions from Fremantle. At the 82nd festival, which takes place from August 27 to September 6, no fewer than six Fremantle-backed films will premiere, including three in the official competition – the main category, for which the jury has selected 21 titles.
‘La Grazia’ to open the festival
Leading Fremantle’s impressive lineup is the feature film “La Grazia,” by acclaimed director Paolo Sorrentino, which will premiere on the Lido and serve as the festival’s opening film. Starring long-time Sorrentino collaborator Toni Servillo, the film was produced by Fremantle’s Italian label The Apartment alongside Sorrentino’s own company Numero 10 and Piper Film Productions. Sorrentino’s 2021 film “The Hand of God,” also starring Servillo, premiered at the 78th Venice Film Festival and went on to earn an Oscar nomination. “Paolo Sorrentino’s return to the competition comes with a film that will leave a mark thanks to its originality and powerful relevance, which audiences will experience on opening night,” says Alberto Barbera, director of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
A new film from Jim Jarmusch
Also competing for the Golden Lion is “Bugonia,” a highly anticipated sci-fi dark comedy starring Oscar winner Emma Stone alongside Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, and Alicia Silverstone. The film is a co-production between Fremantle’s Irish label Element Pictures, Square Peg, and CJ ENM Entertainment Division. Fremantle’s third competition title is “Father Mother Sister Brother,” the latest film by acclaimed director Jim Jarmusch. The star-studded cast includes Cate Blanchett, Mayim Bialik, Adam Driver, Charlotte Rampling, Indya Moore, Luka Sabbat, and Tom Waits. The film is a co-production involving The Apartment, Mubi, Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello, Badjetlag, and CG Cinema.
‘The Kidnapping of Arabella’ with Benedetta Porcaroli and Chris Pine
In addition to the films in competition, the festival includes three other official sections: Out of Competition, Orizzonti (Horizons), and Venice Classics. Two Fremantle series will premiere in the Out of Competition – Series section: “Il Mostro,” produced by The Apartment and Alter Ego, and “Portobello,” a co-production by The Apartment, Our Films, Kavac Film, Arte France Cinéma, and Rai Fiction. In the Orizzonti section, Fremantle will present “The Kidnapping of Arabella,” directed by Carolina Cavalli and starring Benedetta Porcaroli and Chris Pine. The film is produced by The Apartment and Elsinore Film.
Strong showing in 2023 as well
Fremantle’s productions also left a strong impression at last year’s 81st Venice Film Festival. “Maria” and “Queer” were enthusiastically received by audiences, “April” won the Special Jury Prize, and “Don’t Cry, Butterfly” took home both the Grand Prize and the Verona Film Club Award for most innovative film.
