Fandango Sales, the worldwide gross sales division of the Italian unbiased manufacturing and distribution powerhouse, has taken worldwide rights for Paolo Strippoli’s elevated horror movie “The Holy Boy” (La valle dei sorrisi), which is able to make its world premiere on the Venice Film Festival in a midnight screening slot within the Out of Competitors part. Selection has been given unique entry to the worldwide trailer (beneath).
The movie follows Sergio, a trainer laid low with his previous, who’s transferred to Remis, a secluded village often called the happiest city in Italy. It appears the right place for a brand new begin, however Sergio quickly discovers that behind the city’s joyful facade lies a darkish and disturbing secret.
Every week, the villagers collect to fulfill Matteo, an introverted 15 12 months outdated. They are saying Matteo is an angel whose embrace can free one among all ache and sorrow. However as Sergio realizes the village’s relationship to the younger man will not be as benevolent because it appears, his try to save lots of Matteo awakens the darker aspect of the neighborhood, and the boy everybody calls the angel of Remis.
Strippoli has already established his bona fide credentials within the horror and style house. In 2019, he gained the celebrated Franco Solinas Award for finest screenplay for “L’angelo infelice,” written along with Jacopo del Giudice and Milo Tissone. In 2020, he directed the Netflix authentic “A Traditional Horror Story” with Roberto De Feo, profitable a finest director award on the 67th Taormina Movie Pageant. His second characteristic, the psychological horror movie “Piove,” was launched in 2022 after screening in competitors on the Sitges Movie Pageant, Austin Improbable Fest and Alice Nella Città.
Strippoli commented: “‘The Holy Boy’ was born from a need to discover horror not merely as a instrument for suspense, however as a symbolic house to inform a narrative in regards to the fragility of id and the determined want for belonging. In an apparently idyllic neighborhood the place ache is forbidden and serenity is handled like a faith, Matteo’s journey unfolds: a queer teenager, each sacrificial physique and redemptive determine. It’s a movie in regards to the very important function of ache in our lives. And about these courageous sufficient to not smile.”
“The Holy Boy” is described by Fandango Gross sales managing director Raffaellla Di Giulio as “having essentially the most crossover potential, together with past the style house, of any of Paolo Strippoli’s work thus far.”
“The Holy Boy” stars Michele Riondino as Sergio (Billie August miniseries “The Rely of Monte Cristo,” “Dormant Magnificence” by Marco Bellocchio) and introduces the younger actor Giulio Feltri because the teenage Matteo in his display screen debut. The forged additionally consists of Paolo Pierobon (“Kidnapped” by Marco Bellocchio), Romana Maggiora Vergano (worldwide field workplace sensation “There’s Nonetheless Tomorrow”), Sergio Romano (Cannes Un Sure Regard choice “The Final One for the Highway”), Anna Bellato, Sandra Toffolatti and Roberto Citran.
“The Holy Boy” is produced by Domenico Procacci and Laura Paolucci for Fandango and by Ines Vasiljevic and Stefano Sardo for Nightswim, in co-production with Spok, in collaboration with Imaginative and prescient Distribution, with the contribution of the MIC, Lazio Worldwide, and the FVG Movie Fee – PromoTurismoFVG. “The Holy Boy” is an Italy-Slovenia co-production between Fandango, Imaginative and prescient Distribution, and Nightswim with Spok, in collaboration with Sky.
“The Holy Boy” will likely be launched in Italian theaters on Sept. 17 by Imaginative and prescient Distribution.
