Tommaso Usberti’s “Before the War” wins top prize at Venice Critics' Week

Tommaso Usberti’s film “Before the War” has won the Gran Premio Iwonderfull for best film at the 41st Venice Critics' Week, an independent section of the Venice International Film Festival. The Italian production, co-produced with France, also received the Luciano Sovena Award for Best Producer.

Set in the Po Valley, the drama explores themes of toxic masculinity, racism, and loneliness. The story follows Guido, a young man raised in a violent and racist environment, who finds himself conflicted after meeting Sonia, a young Kosovar immigrant.

The international jury, consisting of Chloé Barreau, Júlia Berkes, and Caterina Mazzucato, praised the film for its “intense and vibrant direction” and its ability to use sound and silence to investigate contemporary social issues. The film stars Piero Usberti and Luàna Bajrami.