Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
3w ago

Sorrentino’s La Grazia Opens Venice With Moral Drama of an Italian President

Sorrentino presents a moral drama inspired by a recent presidential pardon.

VENICE (Italy), 27/08/2025.- Italian director Paolo Sorrentino poses at a photocall for 'La Grazia' prior the opening ceremony of the 82nd annual Venice International Film Festival, in Venice, Italy, 27 August 2025. The film festival runs from 27 August to 06 September 2025. (Cine, Cine, Italia, Venecia) EFE/EPA/RICCARDO ANTIMIANI
Paolo Sorrentino y Toni Servillo, en la presentación de 'La Grazia' en la Mostra de Venecia.
Image

Overview

  • The 82nd Venice Film Festival opened with La Grazia, in competition for the Golden Lion, drawing warm applause at press and evening screenings.
  • Toni Servillo portrays fictional president Mariano De Santis as he weighs a euthanasia law and two pardons central to the story’s ethical questions.
  • Sorrentino cites a real pardon by President Sergio Mattarella as a spark for the film while emphasizing the character blends traits from multiple presidents.
  • Festival director Alberto Barbera said the event will not blacklist artists despite industry pressure related to Gaza and voiced sorrow for civilian deaths.
  • Italy’s theatrical release is slated for January, a date widely read as awards‑minded, and MUBI acquired distribution rights in multiple territories outside Italy.