Rome, July 17 (LaPresse) – God Laughs (Dio ride), written and directed by Giovanni Veronesi (The King’s Musketeers, Manual of Love, For Love, Only for Love), has been selected as the closing film, screening Out of Competition, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, directed by Alberto Barbera (September 2–12, 2026). God Laughs will have its world premiere on Saturday, September 12, in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido, following the festival’s awards ceremony. Director Giovanni Veronesi said: “I don’t express my emotions very well. It’s difficult for me to say that I’m thrilled or happy, but this invitation from the Venice Film Festival truly surprised and honored me. I’m happy—there, I’ve said it.” Artistic Director Alberto Barbera commented: “We will bring this edition to a fitting close thanks to Giovanni Veronesi and his outstanding cast, whose performances successfully combine irony and lightness in addressing a subject traditionally treated with great seriousness. This style belongs to the finest tradition of Italian cinema, one that has been neglected for far too long.” Set in the heart of the 17th century and loosely inspired by real events, the film strongly resonates with the present day through a story centered on freedom, the power of truth, and the relationship between humanity and authority, with all its shadows and contradictions. Through his profound humanity, Friar Leopoldo transforms the lives of those he encounters. God Laughs stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Silvio Orlando, Alma Noce, Francesco Gheghi, Maurizio Lombardi, Paolo Rossi, and Carlo Cecchi as Pope Innocent X. The film is produced by Indiana Production (a Vuelta company), PiperFilm, and Ogi Film, in collaboration with Netflix. Producers include Fabrizio Donvito, Benedetto Habib, Marco Cohen, and Daniel Campos Pavoncelli for Indiana Production, and Massimiliano Orfei, Luisa Borella, and Davide Novelli for PiperFilm.
Venice Film Festival 2026: Giovanni Veronesi’s God Laughs to close the festival
Rome, July 17 (LaPresse) – God Laughs (Dio ride), written and directed by Giovanni Veronesi (The King’s Musketeers, Manual of Love, For Love, Only for Love), has been selected as the closing film, screening Out of Competition, at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival, directed by Alberto Barbera (September 2–12, 2026). God Laughs will have its world premiere on Saturday, September 12, in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema on the Venice Lido, following the festival’s awards ceremony. Director Giovanni Veronesi said: “I don’t express my emotions very well. It’s difficult for me to say that I’m thrilled or happy, but this invitation from the Venice Film Festival truly surprised and honored me. I’m happy—there, I’ve said it.” Artistic Director Alberto Barbera commented: “We will bring this edition to a fitting close thanks to Giovanni Veronesi and his outstanding cast, whose performances successfully combine irony and lightness in addressing a subject traditionally treated with great seriousness. This style belongs to the finest tradition of Italian cinema, one that has been neglected for far too long.” Set in the heart of the 17th century and loosely inspired by real events, the film strongly resonates with the present day through a story centered on freedom, the power of truth, and the relationship between humanity and authority, with all its shadows and contradictions. Through his profound humanity, Friar Leopoldo transforms the lives of those he encounters. God Laughs stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Silvio Orlando, Alma Noce, Francesco Gheghi, Maurizio Lombardi, Paolo Rossi, and Carlo Cecchi as Pope Innocent X. The film is produced by Indiana Production (a Vuelta company), PiperFilm, and Ogi Film, in collaboration with Netflix. Producers include Fabrizio Donvito, Benedetto Habib, Marco Cohen, and Daniel Campos Pavoncelli for Indiana Production, and Massimiliano Orfei, Luisa Borella, and Davide Novelli for PiperFilm.
