Italian
Venice Film Festival honors Paola Comencini with Campari Passion for Film Award
Celebrating a visionary in production design
The Venice Film Festival is set to honor Italian production designer Paola Comencini with the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award. This accolade is dedicated to those behind-the-scenes talents who, alongside directors, contribute significantly to the creation of cinematic masterpieces.
A legacy of excellence
Paola Comencini’s illustrious career spans numerous feature films and TV series, showcasing her exceptional skills in production design. Among her notable works are Italy’s blockbuster There’s Still Tomorrow, directed by Paola Cortellesi, the groundbreaking TV series Romanzo Criminale, and the drama Il tempo che ci vuole, directed by her sister Francesca Comencini. The latter will premiere out-of-competition at Venice, paying homage to their father, Luigi Comencini, the Italian maestro behind the Oscar-nominated classic Bread, Love and Dreams.
An emotional journey through set design
The Venice Film Festival’s statement highlights Il tempo che ci vuole as a film where set design transcends mere aesthetics, becoming an “incredible emotional journey.” This sentiment underscores the profound impact of Paola Comencini’s work, which blends creativity with meticulous attention to detail.
A career marked by versatility and innovation
Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera praised Comencini’s career, noting her unique ability to capture the essence of different eras and characters. “Throughout her lengthy career as an architect, set designer, and costume designer, Paola Comencini has demonstrated a special sensibility in highlighting the distinctive traits of eras and characters, navigating through genres and languages with great rigor and invention,” Barbera stated.
Enhancing stories through creative vision
Comencini’s remarkable creative spirit allows her to interpret the essence of stories and enhance each character within their environments. Her work is a testament to the power of production design in storytelling, transforming spaces into immersive worlds that resonate with audiences.
Previous honorees of the Campari Passion for Film Award
The Campari Passion for Film Award has previously recognized a diverse array of talents, including U.S. film editor Bob Murawski, Italian cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, U.S. jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, British production designer Marcus Rowland, U.S. artist and costume designer Arianne Phillips, and Italian production designer Tonino Zera.
Anticipation builds for the 81st Venice Film Festival
The 81st edition of the Venice Film Festival will run from August 28 to September 7, promising a celebration of cinematic artistry and innovation. As the festival approaches, the recognition of Paola Comencini’s contributions to film serves as a reminder of the vital role that production designers play in bringing stories to life.
For cinema enthusiasts, the Venice Film Festival is more than just a showcase of films; it’s a celebration of the collaborative efforts that make cinematic magic possible. Paola Comencini’s recognition is a testament to the artistry and dedication that go into every frame, every set, and every costume. Her work invites us to look beyond the surface and appreciate the intricate details that shape our favorite films and series.
As we eagerly await the festival’s lineup, let’s take a moment to explore the trailers and information pages of the mentioned works. Dive into the world of There’s Still Tomorrow, Romanzo Criminale, and Il tempo che ci vuole to experience the magic of Paola Comencini’s production design firsthand.
