Giulio Bertelli's 'Agon' Premieres at New Directors/New Films with FIPRESCI Prize Recognition

In his first feature film, 'Agon,' Giulio Bertelli delves into the isolated existences of three female athletes training for a fictional Olympic Games, employing a style he calls 'techno realism,' which fuses documentary, drama, and video game elements. The film, which garnered the FIPRESCI Prize at Venice Critics' Week in 2025, will be showcased at Lincoln Center's New Directors/New Films series from April 9 to 19, 2026. Drawing on his experiences as a competitive offshore sailor and his studies in architecture, Bertelli portrays judo, fencing, and shooting athletes—sports rooted in warfare—facing rigorous training and mental challenges. Featuring real judoka Alice Bellandi and actors Sofija Zobina and Yile Vianello, the film creates a unique soundscape devoid of crowd noise, influenced by works like 'The Conversation' and 'The Moment of Truth.' Bertelli, son of Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, views the project as a reflection on high-performance environments, where athletes' bodies intersect with medical technology and corporate spectacle. New Directors/New Films is co-hosted by Lincoln Center and The Museum of Modern Art in New York.