Nanni Moretti returns to Venice Film Festival after 37 years

Director Nanni Moretti returns to the Venice Film Festival with his new film, ‘Succederà questa notte’, marking his first appearance at the Lido in 37 years. This return serves as a symbolic reconciliation following a controversial incident in 1989.

In 1989, Moretti’s film ‘Palombella rossa’ was excluded from the festival’s official selection and relegated to the Critics' Week. The decision was widely viewed as a significant oversight, though the film eventually achieved cult status following enthusiastic critical reception.

Festival director Alberto Barbera has acknowledged the past error, stating that the festival wishes to ‘make up for the mistake made 37 years ago.’ The inclusion of Moretti’s new work in the official competition is seen as a formal recognition of his importance to Italian cinema and a way for the festival to move past its historical misjudgment.