Italian
Fandango Sales secures global rights for ‘Luce’ outside Italy
A new chapter for Silvia Luzi and Luca Bellino
Fandango Sales has acquired the global distribution rights, excluding Italy, for the Locarno competition entry “Luce”. Directed by the talented duo Silvia Luzi and Luca Bellino, this film marks another significant milestone in their career. The pair previously gained recognition for their 2017 film “Crater” (“Il Cratere”), which was showcased at Venice’s Critics Week and won the special jury award at Tokyo.
The story of ‘Luce’
Produced by the Oscar-nominated Donatella Palermo (“Fire at Sea”), “Luce” stars Marianna Fontana (“Indivisibili,” “Capri, Revolution”) as a young woman in her early twenties. She works in a leather factory in a cold, rainy town in Southern Italy, feeling an overwhelming sense of emptiness in her life. The film’s synopsis reveals that one day, while on the beach, she experiences a sudden inspiration that changes her life forever. A voice on her cellphone becomes a fragile link between her desires, imagination, and the world around her.
A deeper dive into the film’s themes
The directors, Luzi and Bellino, have approached this story through the lens of a young woman struggling against societal pressures that reduce her to a mere worker, ignorant and subdued. They explain that these pressures push her into making a dubious choice while searching for something missing in her life. This voice on her cellphone becomes a parallel life, perhaps invented, perhaps more real than reality.
The making of ‘Luce’
The directors have emphasized that “Luce” was shot based on a script that evolved daily. They used real locations, real people, sequential shots, and acting that transcends traditional fiction, becoming a staging of oneself. They praised Marianna Fontana, calling her the heart of the film.
Production details
“Luce” is produced by Bellino’s Bokeh Film and Palermo’s Stemal Entertainment in collaboration with RAI Cinema.
Personal reflections for cinema enthusiasts
As a cinema enthusiast, the journey of “Luce” from script to screen is a fascinating one. The directors’ choice to rewrite the script daily and use real locations and people adds a layer of authenticity that is rare in contemporary cinema. Marianna Fontana’s performance is expected to be a standout, given the directors’ high praise for her.
For those interested in exploring more about the film, you can watch the trailer here.
In-depth analysis
“Luce” delves into the existential struggles of a young woman in a monotonous and alienating environment. The film’s exploration of identity, desire, and reality versus imagination is a compelling narrative that resonates with many. The directors’ innovative approach to filmmaking, using real people and locations, blurs the line between fiction and reality, making the film a unique cinematic experience.
Distinctive comments
The film’s portrayal of a young woman’s search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world is both poignant and thought-provoking. The use of a voice on a cellphone as a metaphor for her inner desires and imagination adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The directors’ decision to rewrite the script daily and use real locations and people is a bold move that pays off, adding authenticity and depth to the film.
Final thoughts
“Luce” is a film that promises to be a unique and thought-provoking experience. The directors’ innovative approach to filmmaking, combined with Marianna Fontana’s compelling performance, makes it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts. The film’s exploration of identity, desire, and reality versus imagination is a narrative that resonates with many, making it a standout in contemporary cinema.
For more information and to watch the trailer, click here.
