All You Need to Know About the Opening Film of the Venice Film Festival: "Comandante"
The 80th edition of the prestigious Venice International Film Festival has just commenced. The festival will run from August 30th to September 9th, and this year's opening film is the Italian drama and biographical movie titled "Comandante."
Originally, "Challengers" was intended to be the chosen film for the festival's jury committee. However, due to a strike by screenwriters' unions and Hollywood actors making it difficult for filmmakers to attend, "Comandante" was selected as a replacement.
"Comandante" falls into the war film genre and is spoken in Italian. It was written and directed by Eduardo Di Angelis and features renowned international star Pierfrancesco Favino alongside young actor Giorgio Cantareni.
The story of "Comandante" takes place at the beginning of World War II when Tordaro assumes command of Capellini submarine within Italy's Royal Navy in October 1940. While sailing through the Atlantic Ocean during a dark night, they encounter an armed merchant ship traveling without lights, leading to its sinking after using cannons.
Tordaro decides to rescue 26 Belgian sailors who were condemned to drown in the middle of the ocean and transport them to the nearest port according to maritime law. However, because they are on his submarine, he must sail on its surface for three days which exposes their vessel's location to enemy forces endangering both his life and those under his command.
Alberto Barbera, director of Venice International Film Festival stated in a press release about selecting "Comandante": *"Eduardo Di Angelis' work takes shape as a historical piece filled with contemporary references. This story revolves around real-life adventures of Commander Salvatore Tordaro who saved enemy sailors who survived their shipwreck. It serves as a reminder of the need to prioritize ethics and human solidarity over the brutal logic of humanity, as well as military protocols."*
