BTN News: Johnny Depp is set to return to the director’s chair with his second feature film, “Modi-Three Days on the Wing of Madness,” which will have its debut at the prestigious San Sebastián International Film Festival. This film marks Depp’s directorial comeback since his 1997 film “The Brave,” and will be screened in the Official Section of the Zinemaldia, though notably, outside of the competition. The highly anticipated movie delves into a pivotal chapter in the life of the renowned artist Amedeo Modigliani, set against the turbulent backdrop of Paris in 1916 during the throes of World War I.
The cast of “Modi-Three Days on the Wing of Madness” boasts a stellar lineup, with Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio taking on the role of Modigliani. He is joined by the legendary Al Pacino, the versatile Stephen Graham, and the talented Antonia Desplat. Together, they bring to life the intense and dramatic episode in Modigliani’s life that the film explores. The narrative promises to be a gripping portrayal of the artist’s struggles, passions, and the madness that enveloped him during that fateful period.
Johnny Depp, no stranger to the San Sebastián Festival, previously graced its stage in 2021 when he was honored with the prestigious Donostia Award, a recognition of his outstanding contribution to cinema. His return to the festival this year is highly anticipated, especially with a project that reflects his deep interest in exploring complex characters and historical moments through the lens of cinema.
In addition to Depp’s film, the festival has also announced a special screening of “Lumière, l’aventure continue,” directed by Thierry Frémaux, the General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival and Director of the Institut Lumière. This documentary is a continuation of Frémaux’s earlier work, “Lumière, l’aventure commence,” which premiered at the San Sebastián Festival in 2017. The film continues to delve into the fascinating world of the Lumière brothers, the pioneering creators of cinema, offering audiences an immersive exploration of the origins and evolution of filmmaking.
The San Sebastián Festival, known for its commitment to discovering new talent, has also added two intriguing titles to its New Directors section. Swiss filmmaker Piet Baumgartner will present “Bagger Drama,” a poignant narrative about a family coping with the sudden loss of a member in a tragic accident. Baumgartner, who has previously directed several short films and debuted in feature filmmaking with the documentary “The Driven Ones” in 2023, is expected to bring his unique storytelling style to the festival.
Joining Baumgartner in the New Directors lineup is Danish filmmaker Sylvia Le Fanu, who will debut her first feature film, “My Eternal Summer.” The film is an emotional exploration of a 15-year-old girl’s journey as she faces the impending loss of her terminally ill mother during what becomes a transformative summer. Le Fanu, whose short films have been featured at notable festivals such as Clermont-Ferrand, Indy Shorts, and Odense, is set to make a powerful impact with her feature debut.
These two films join a total of twelve that will compete in the New Directors category, all vying for a coveted prize of €50,000. The selection highlights the festival’s dedication to nurturing new voices in cinema, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work on an international stage.
The San Sebastián International Film Festival continues to solidify its reputation as a beacon of cinematic excellence, offering a diverse program that celebrates both established and emerging talents. With Johnny Depp’s return to directing, Thierry Frémaux’s exploration of cinematic history, and the introduction of fresh perspectives in the New Directors section, this year’s festival promises to be a rich tapestry of storytelling, creativity, and artistic expression.
