- La Grazia will open the 82nd Venice Film Festival on August 27, 2025.
- The film reunites Paolo Sorrentino with Toni Servillo in a politically charged narrative.
- MUBI holds worldwide rights (excluding Italy), with international sales by The Match Factory.
Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino is set to open the 82nd Venice International Film Festival with his latest feature, La Grazia, premiering in competition on August 27, 2025.
Produced by Fremantle’s The Apartment in collaboration with Numero 10 and PiperFilm, La Grazia has been acquired for worldwide distribution (excluding Italy) by MUBI, which plans theatrical releases in regions including North America, Europe, and India.
‘La Grazia’: Sorrentino’s Political Portrait to Open 2025 Venice Film Festival
Paolo Sorrentino’s relationship with the Venice Film Festival is deeply rooted, dating back to his debut feature One Man Up in 2001. Since then, he has returned multiple times with both films and series, including The Young Pope. His 2021 film The Hand of God garnered the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize, further solidifying his position among Europe’s elite directors. La Grazia is expected to continue his exploration of identity, power, and personal reckoning.
Toni Servillo, who has become a creative partner to Sorrentino, plays a key role in La Grazia. Their longstanding collaboration has produced critically acclaimed films such as The Great Beauty and Il Divo. His pairing with Anna Ferzetti brings fresh on-screen dynamics, potentially anchoring the film’s emotional depth. Their performances are anticipated to elevate the film’s political narrative with personal nuance.
Alberto Barbera, director of the Venice Film Festival, emphasized the film’s contemporary relevance and artistic boldness. In his statement, he lauded La Grazia as a work “destined to leave its mark” with originality and timeliness. Its selection to open the festival reflects not only Sorrentino’s reputation but also the urgent themes the film is expected to address—resonating with both Italian and international audiences.
MUBI’s involvement signals strategic global positioning, reflecting the platform’s rising influence in distributing auteur-driven cinema. By securing rights across key territories, MUBI ensures La Grazia will be accessible to a broad audience eager for socially conscious storytelling. Theatrical release dates are expected soon, positioning the film as a major awards season contender.
With La Grazia, Paolo Sorrentino returns to Venice with a politically charged, stylistically rich film that promises to spark conversations well beyond the Lido. Its opening night premiere sets the tone for a festival steeped in timely themes and cinematic excellence.
“The personal is political.” — Carol Hanisch
Sorrentino’s La Grazia channels this spirit, weaving intimate drama into broader political commentary.
