Giovanni Veronesi's Dio Ride will close the 83rd Venice International Film Festival in an out-of-competition slot, premiering on September 12 after the awards ceremony.
Synopsis and Cast
Set in the mid-1600s, Dio Ride follows Frate Leopoldo da Casamacchia, a man who speaks of God with infectious joy, diverging from the Church's Latin sermons. His message spreads, emptying churches and capturing thousands of followers. The Vatican, alarmed, assigns Cardinal Maculani to the case, leading to a trial and unexpected confrontations challenging steadfast beliefs. Notably, the film stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Silvio Orlando, and Carlo Cecchi as Pope Innocent X.
Directorial Vision
Veronesi, who co-wrote the script with Nicola Baldoni, Gianluca Bernardini, Nicola Deorsola, Paolo Portone, and Jean Jacques Llunga, expressed his emotions, saying, "I am happy – there, I’ve said it," about the Venice invitation. Festival director Alberto Barbera praised the film for its blend of irony and seriousness, a hallmark of classic Italian cinema.
Film's Relevance
The festival description highlights the film's thematic resonance with contemporary issues, focusing on freedom, truth, and power dynamics. Frate Leopoldo's profound humanity promises to alter the lives of those he meets, echoing the film's historical roots in modern contexts.
Release Details
Following its festival debut, Dio Ride will release in Italian cinemas on October 29, distributed by PiperFilm, with Piperplay managing international sales.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/venice-2026-closing-film-giovanni-veronesi-dio-ride-1236650776/
