Overview

• Italy’s ANICA selection committee, meeting before a notary, chose the film from a field of 24 eligible titles.
• Media described the decision as a surprise over higher‑profile contenders by Ferzan Özpetek, Mario Martone, Silvio Soldini and Paolo Genovese.
• The drama premiered in Venice 2024’s Orizzonti section, where Francesco Gheghi won best actor, and Francesco Di Leva later earned a David di Donatello acting prize.
• The story, drawn from Luigi Celeste’s autobiography, explores domestic violence and generational trauma within a Calabrian family without revealing key plot turns.
• Key dates set by the Academy are December 16 for the international shortlist, January 22 for nominations and March 15, 2026 for the ceremony, with no U.S. distributor yet attached.