Director Paolo Sorrentino to be honoured at Ventotene Film Festival

The Ventotene Film Festival—the longest-running among those held on Italy’s smaller islands—will honour Academy Award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino with the prestigious Ventotene Film Festival International Excellence Award.

This event will kick off the 30th edition of the Festival, created and directed by Loredana Commonara, which will return in the fall (from July 26 to August 1) with a renewed program featuring screenings, masterclasses, and international guests.

“I’m deeply honored,” says Loredana Commonara, “that Paolo Sorrentino has accepted our invitation to receive the award on the occasion of the Festival’s 30th anniversary. His undeniable talent, distinctive directorial vision, and extraordinary ability to transform cinema into an emotionally resonant art form represent a refined and unmistakable poetic style that has left a profound mark on contemporary film. His presence makes this edition even more special for us.”

Paolo Sorrentino has transcended national borders with visually and narratively iconic works celebrated worldwide:

·       "The Consequences of Love" (2004) – 5 David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film, Director, and Screenplay.

·       "Il Divo" (2008) – Jury Prize at Cannes Film Festival, European Film Award for Best Actor (Toni Servillo), David di Donatello for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

·       "The Great Beauty" (2013) – Academy Award, Golden Globe, and BAFTA for Best Foreign Language Film; 4 European Film Awards; 9 David di Donatello Awards; 5 Nastro d’Argento Awards.

·       "Youth" (2015) – 3 European Film Awards (including Best Film and Director), David di Donatello for Best Original Song and Best Cinematography.

·       "The Hand of God" (2021) – Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, David di Donatello for Best Director and Best Film, Nastro d’Argento for Best Director.

In 2024, Sorrentino premiered "Parthenope" at Cannes, a visually stunning and introspective work that became his highest-grossing film in Italy, earning over €7.4 million.

He is currently working on his next feature, "La Grazia", an intense new love story once again starring Toni Servillo. Filming took place in Italy, produced by The Apartment Pictures and Numero 10, with the participation of PiperFilm. "La Grazia" will open the 82nd Venice International Film Festival (August 27 – September 6, 2025), competing in the main lineup.