Italian
Venice Film Festival 2023: A deep dive into the opening films “Nonostante” and “September 5”
The Venice Film Festival, a beacon of cinematic excellence, is set to dazzle audiences once again with its 81st edition. This year, the festival’s Horizons and Horizons Extra sections will open with two compelling dramas: Valerio Mastandrea’s “Nonostante” and Tim Fehlbaum’s ”September 5.” These films promise to offer a rich tapestry of emotions, historical insights, and powerful performances.
Exploring “Nonostante”: A tale of resilience and human connection
“Nonostante,” which translates to “despite,” is the second feature directed by Valerio Mastandrea, who also stars in the film. The narrative centers around a hospitalized man whose tranquil life is upended by the arrival of a spirited and angry woman in the same ward. This unexpected encounter leads to a profound exploration of human connection and resilience.
Mastandrea’s dual role as director and actor adds a layer of authenticity to the film, making it a deeply personal project. The film is produced by Viola Prestieri and Valeria Golino for HT Film, Francesco Tatò and Oscar Glioti for Damocle, and Moreno Zani and Malcom Pagani for Tenderstories with RAI Cinema. BiM Distribuzione is the film’s Italian distributor.
For those eager to get a glimpse of this poignant drama, the trailer can be found here: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/nonostante.
“September 5”: A gripping reconstruction of a historical tragedy
Tim Fehlbaum’s “September 5” delves into the harrowing events of the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics, where Israeli athletes were taken hostage. The film focuses on the American sports broadcasting team that had to swiftly transition from sports reporting to live coverage of the unfolding crisis. This unique perspective offers a fresh lens on a globally witnessed tragedy, seen by an estimated one billion people at the time.
Produced by Germany’s BerghausWöbke Filmproduktion and Projected Picture Works, in co-production with Constantin Film and ERF Edgar Reitz Filmproduktion, ”September 5″ boasts a stellar cast including Peter Sarsgaard. The film’s producers include Sean Penn, Philipp Trauer, Thomas Wöbke, Tim Fehlbaum, John Ira Palmer, and John Wildermuth.
To watch the trailer and delve deeper into this historical drama, visit: https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/september-5.
The significance of Horizons and Horizons Extra
The Horizons section of the Venice Film Festival is dedicated to showcasing new trends in world cinema. Films in this category are judged by a jury, which this year is headed by “Winter’s Bone” director Debra Granik. On the other hand, the Horizons Extra section is an extension of Horizons, where entries are judged by the festival audience, adding a democratic touch to the selection process.
“Nonostante” will open the Horizons competition on August 28, while “September 5” will premiere in Horizons Extra on August 29. These films not only set the tone for the festival but also highlight the diverse storytelling and innovative filmmaking that the Venice Film Festival champions.
Reflecting on the power of cinema
As we anticipate the full lineup announcement on July 23, it’s worth reflecting on the power of cinema to transport us to different worlds, evoke deep emotions, and offer new perspectives on historical events. The Venice Film Festival continues to be a platform where such transformative experiences are celebrated.
In a world where stories shape our understanding of humanity, films like “Nonostante” and “September 5” remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of bearing witness to history. As the festival unfolds, audiences will undoubtedly be moved, challenged, and inspired by the cinematic journeys presented.
The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will run from August 28 to September 7, promising a rich array of films that push the boundaries of storytelling and cinematic expression.
