Depp's 'Modi' to Premiere at San Sebastian Film Festival
Johnny Depp's second directorial effort, "Modi â Three Days on the Wing of Madness," is set to make its world premiere at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival, running from 20-28 September. The film, which will be screened out of competition, is a biographical drama about the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani.
This marks a significant return to the spotlight for Depp, who has faced considerable controversy following his highly publicised legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard. The actor, who previously directed the 1997 film "The Brave," received the prestigious Donostia Award at the 2021 San Sebastian Film Festival in recognition of his lifetime achievements in cinema.
"Modi â Three Days on the Wing of Madness" stars Riccardo Scamarcio as Modigliani, alongside a star-studded cast including Al Pacino, Stephen Graham, and Antonia Desplat. The film, described as a "tale of art, love, and rejection," follows a tumultuous three-day period in the life of the artist, set against the backdrop of a war-torn Paris during World War I.
The San Sebastian Film Festival has also unveiled several other additions to its programme, including "Lumière!, lâaventure continue" / "Lumiere! The adventure continues" by Thierry Frémaux, which will feature in the Special Screenings section. Two new films will be featured in the New Directors section: Piet Baumgartner's "Bagger Drama" and Sylvia Le Fanu's debut, "Min Evige Sommer" / "My Eternal Summer."
This year's festival will also see Oscar-winning actress Cate Blanchett receive the Donostia Award, joining a prestigious list of previous recipients. The main competition will feature a selection of new films from acclaimed directors, including Mike Leigh, François Ozon, Edward Berger, Joshua Oppenheimer, and Costa-Gavras, vying for the coveted Golden Shell prize.
With a diverse and exciting programme, the San Sebastian International Film Festival is set to be a highlight of the autumn film calendar, showcasing the latest cinematic offerings from around the world.
