Giona A. Nazzaro on Identity, Risk, and Discovery at Venice Critics' Week
In a conversation with Artribune, Giona A. Nazzaro, the artistic director for the 33rd Settimana Internazionale della Critica, reflects on the festival's changing identity and the importance of embracing diverse influences. He underscores the duty of choosing filmmakers who respect the legacy of previous participants. Nazzaro commends Anna Eriksson's film M, which resonates with older women as a poignant portrayal of Marilyn Monroe, though some men have labeled it as pretentious. He also discusses Hajooj Kuka's aKasha, a comedy produced in Sudan amid civil unrest, defending its raw style. He appreciates Tumbbad for rekindling a sense of wonder and characterizes Still Recording, filmed in Syria, as a narrative focused on perspective rather than conflict. Nazzaro urges Italian filmmakers to challenge norms and notes the emergence of a community around Critics' Week.
Key facts
- 33rd Settimana Internazionale della Critica (Venice International Critics' Week) took place in 2018.
- Giona A. Nazzaro is the artistic director of the section.
- The film M by Anna Eriksson was highlighted as the most original in the catalog.
- Anna Eriksson is a multimedia artist, painter, and pop music superstar.
- The film aKasha by Hajooj Kuka was made in Sudan during a civil war.
- Cinema is banned by law in Sudan.
- The opening film Tumbbad uses clearly fake puppets and monsters.
- The winner Still Recording involved a crew member's death and another's injury.
- Still Recording was shot over 350 hours in Syria.
- The Italian film Saremo giovani e bellissimi was praised as the best Italian film at the festival.
- Tumbbad was booked by about twenty festivals from September to December.
- M was requested by 4-5 other festivals.
- aKasha was booked by about fifteen festivals.
Entities
Artists
- Giona A. Nazzaro
- Antonio Moresco
- Anna Eriksson
- Hajooj Kuka
- Manoel de Oliveira
- Gian Luigi Rondi
- Rossellini
- Stanlio e Ollio
- John Ford
- Don Siegel
- Raffaello Matarazzo
- Marilyn Monroe
- Alexander Korda
- Sara Fattahi
- Letizia (director of Saremo giovani e bellissimi)
- Margherita Bordino
Institutions
- Settimana Internazionale della Critica
- Venice International Critics' Week
- Mostra del Cinema di Venezia
- Artribune
- MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- Sudan
- Syria
- New York
- Africa