Italian
New horizons for Italian cinema: The Apartment’s bold new direction
A new era under Annamaria Morelli
Under the dynamic leadership of Annamaria Morelli, The Apartment, a Fremantle-owned production company, is poised to make significant waves in the film industry. With a strong presence at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing titles like Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer,” the company is set to produce the next project by emerging Italian director Carolina Cavalli.
Carolina Cavalli’s next venture: ‘The Kidnapping of Arabella’
Cavalli, whose debut feature ”Amanda” received acclaim at both Venice and Toronto, is gearing up for her next film, “The Kidnapping of Arabella.” This project will see her reunite with Benedetta Porcaroli, the lead actress from “Amanda.”
In “The Kidnapping of Arabella,” Porcaroli will portray Holly, a young woman who feels out of place in her own life until she meets a seven-year-old girl who changes her perspective. The film promises to blend absurdist comedy with poignant themes, much like Cavalli’s previous work.
“I think lonely people who come together to solve a problem have already solved the biggest one, and this is what makes me happy about this story,” Cavalli shared.
A collaborative effort
Babak Jalali, an Iranian-born multi-hyphenate who frequently collaborates with Cavalli, will serve as the editor for “The Kidnapping of Arabella.” The film is set to begin shooting on August 21 in Italy’s northern Veneto region, produced by Elsinore Film in collaboration with The Apartment.
Morelli’s vision for The Apartment
In her first interview since taking over The Apartment, Morelli expressed her excitement about Cavalli’s new project, stating that it aligns perfectly with her vision for the company. She aims to continue producing high-end projects with top Italian talents like Paolo Sorrentino and Luca Guadagnino, while also fostering new Italian auteurs who can make an impact internationally.
“This doesn’t mean just producing a few films; it means finding these talents, nurturing them, and launching them nationally and internationally,” Morelli emphasized.
Upcoming projects and strategic partnerships
The Apartment is not just stopping at “The Kidnapping of Arabella.” The company is also premiering Pablo Larrain’s “Maria,” starring Angelina Jolie, and the Joe Wright-directed series “M. Son of the Century,” which chronicles Benito Mussolini’s rise to power. Another highly anticipated project is the Jolie-directed drama ”Without Blood,” featuring Salma Hayek, set to launch from Toronto.
Morelli highlighted the strategic importance of being part of Fremantle, a subsidiary of the German media giant RTL Group. Under the leadership of COO Andrea Scrosati, Fremantle has assembled a network of top independent production companies worldwide, including Ireland’s Element Pictures and Denmark’s Miso Film.
“Andrea has a long-term vision,” Morelli noted. “Profit is important, but it’s not necessarily a short-term necessity. I share Andrea’s enthusiasm for building something long-term through ongoing collaborations with top Italian and international auteurs.”
Collaborations with Italian labels
The Apartment is also keen on co-productions with other Italian labels. Currently, they are working with Italy’s Indigo Film on Mario Martone’s “Fuori,” a biopic of feminist writer Goliarda Sapienza, starring Valeria Golino and Matilda De Angelis.
A promising future
With Morelli at the helm, The Apartment is set to become a powerhouse in the film industry, blending high-end productions with a commitment to nurturing new talent. The company’s upcoming projects and strategic partnerships promise to bring fresh, compelling stories to audiences worldwide.
For more information on the mentioned movies and series, check out their trailers and details:
Stay tuned for more updates on these exciting projects and the future of Italian cinema.
