“The Penitent – A Rational Man” by Luca Barbareschi wins the thirteenth Smile Different Venice Award for Best Italian Filmdelivered in the Meeting Space of the Hotel Excelsior in Venice.
Offshoot of the social cinematography festival “Tulipani di seta nera” – created by the biologist Paola Tassone, from Calabria from Caulonia Marina – the award is given to the films of the Festival with the greatest social value, which shine the spotlight on diversity, social differences and fragility, bringing serious moments of reflection into the glamor of the event.
«Very particular titles were chosen, the most challenging, courageous and generous in an important year like the eightieth edition of the Festival – says Tassone, artistic director of the award – The selection was not easy, but together with the director Barbera we followed that which is the objective of Different Smile, that is, to recognize the film that best narrates the contradictions of today’s society, from discrimination to social differences, to ideas towards emancipation.”
Fifteen nominated films, between competition and out of competition, which also talk about imposed faith, repression of freedoms and the breaking down of barriers and prejudices: «We are witnessing an important relaunch of social issues on the big screen, and I hope that next winter the general public will frequent the room and reflect on these topics, trying to find answers and devise actions of commitment in the first person.” Best foreign film this year “Green Border” by Agnieszka Holland. The winning titles were chosen by a jury of experts chaired by the journalist Catello Masullo (president of Roman Cinecircolo). Godmother of the ceremony was the actress Giovanna Sannino, the face of Carmela in the drama “Mare Fuori”.
The event was opened by the short film “The old man and the wall” by Antonio Palumbo, winner of Tulipani di seta nera 2023. A look at the topic of health protection at work, starring Paolo Sassanelli. Directed by Diego Righini, the Smile Different Venice Award is promoted by the University Cerca Lavoro and Dream On with the patronage of Rai for Sustainability.