Italian cinema possesses a distinct capacity to address severe societal issues like clandestine immigration and domestic violence by transfiguring current events into broader artistic narratives, according to actress Valeria Golino at the Venice International Film Festival. Speaking at the Hotel Excelsior during an event hosted by the “Che Spettacolo!” format—a collaboration between Corriere della Sera and the Fondazione Ente dello Spettacolo—Golino emphasized the importance of trusting cinematic storytelling.
Valeria Golino Discusses Trust in Italian Cinema at the Venice Film Festival
At the Venice Film Festival, Golino is presenting two films: Gianni Amelio’s Nessun dolore and Roberto De Paolis’s Serpenti. Interviewed on stage by Corriere della Sera director Luciano Fontana and film critic Paolo Mereghetti, Golino traced her lifelong relationship with film, recalling how her mother in Greece frequently took her and her brother to movie theaters during the 1970s. That early exposure to diverse programming, ranging from classic comedies to the works of Ingmar Bergman, shaped her cinephilia.
Discussing her collaboration with director Gianni Amelio on Nessun dolore, Golino noted that trusting a director often requires accepting a vision of a character that differs from one’s own instincts. According to Golino, yielding to Amelio’s direction helped shape her character, Elsa, conceived as an homage to author Elsa Morante. In parallel coverage, Amelio presented Nessun dolore out of competition at the festival, using the platform to urge Europe to adopt unified policies regarding immigration and the reception of migrants rather than leaving individual countries like Italy and Spain to manage the challenge independently.
Gianni Amelio and Alessandro Borghi on the Themes of Nessun Dolore
Director Gianni Amelio explained during the film’s press conference that presenting Nessun dolore outside the competitive selection freed him from traditional festival pressures. Amelio addressed the broader geopolitical and social implications of the film, stating that while compassion is sufficient for initial humanitarian reception, political structures are required for long-term social integration. He expressed hope that European institutions would develop a more cohesive approach to international migration.
Actor Alessandro Borghi, who stars in the film alongside Golino, noted that his role as Davide forced him to confront difficult moral questions regarding personal responsibility, guilt, and empathy. According to Borghi, the film challenges viewers to examine their own potential choices in extreme situations, positioning cinema as a medium designed to provoke critical moral inquiry rather than provide easy answers.
Giacomo Poretti on Hope, Comedy, and Future Projects
Comedian and actor Giacomo Poretti also participated in the “Che Spettacolo!” discussions at the Hotel Excelsior, appearing alongside Fontana and Mereghetti to discuss the role of art in fostering social trust. According to video coverage from Corriere della Sera, Poretti asserted that culture and cinema contribute to society by transferring trust and hope rather than solving every global problem. Citing Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life, Poretti defended the cinematic happy ending as a vital mechanism for resolving narrative conflict and guiding audiences toward positive emotional resolutions.
Looking ahead to his career, Poretti announced that his upcoming film, Magari un’altra volta, directed by 35-year-old filmmaker Tobia Passigato and co-starring Aldo Baglio and Giovanni Storti, is scheduled for theatrical release on January 27 through Medusa. Poretti expressed strong confidence in younger creative teams, noting his collaboration with younger staff on his digital interview format, the Poretcast, and sharing his ambition to establish a new theatrical company in Milan alongside colleagues Luca Doninelli and Gabriele Allevi.
Did you know? The “Che Spettacolo!” format brought over one hundred cultural appointments and interviews to the Venice Film Festival for the second year, establishing a public venue for direct dialogue between industry professionals, journalists, and festival attendees, as detailed by Corriere della Sera.
Frequently Asked Questions
What films is Valeria Golino presenting at the Venice Film Festival?
Valeria Golino presents two films at the festival: Gianni Amelio’s Nessun dolore and Roberto De Paolis’s Serpenti, according to Corriere della Sera.
What themes does Gianni Amelio explore in Nessun dolore?
Gianni Amelio explores themes of immigration, European solidarity, responsibility, and how extreme personal suffering can become an unexpected catalyst for a fresh start.
When is Giacomo Poretti’s next film scheduled for release?
Giacomo Poretti’s upcoming film, Magari un’altra volta, is scheduled for theatrical release on January 27 via Medusa, as reported by Corriere della Sera.
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