Le Otto Montagne
The 68th edition of the prestigious David di Donatello Awards recently celebrated “Le Otto Montagne” as the best film. Directed by Belgian filmmakers Felix van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersh, the film also won awards for best cinematography, non-original screenplay, and sound. The highly anticipated film will be screened at the GMT Redrum in Singapore on June 9, 2023, at 8:00 pm as part of the Italian Film Festival.
“Le Otto Montagne” tells a heartwarming story of friendship set against the backdrop of majestic mountain landscapes. Starring Alessandro Borghi and Luca Marinelli, the film captivated audiences and judges alike at the David di Donatello Awards ceremony, held at the Lumina Studios in Rome and broadcast live on Rai 1.
During the event, director Felix van Groeningen expressed his enthusiasm for making a film in Italy, saying, “It was an incredible journey. Why would two Belgians make a film in Italy? It was a beautiful story, adapted from a book sent to me by the producers, and I said, ‘Yes, I’ll do it.'” Co-director Charlotte Vandermeersh added, “Thank you for this declaration of love. We love Italy.”
The film’s lead actors, Alessandro Borghi and Luca Marinelli, praised the directors for their vision, with Marinelli calling them “two gigantic souls who gifted us this wonderful adventure.” Borghi echoed the sentiment, describing the film as “an incredible gift to my life” and a “wonderful encounter” with his on-screen brother, Marinelli.
Other big winners at the David di Donatello Awards included Marco Bellocchio’s “Esterno Notte,” which took home prizes for best director, leading actor (Fabrizio Gifuni), editing, and makeup, and Roberto Andò’s “La Stranezza,” which won in the categories of production design, costume design, original screenplay, and production.
“Le Otto Montagne” is an adaptation of Paolo Cognetti’s 2017 novel of the same name. The film follows the story of Pietro, who spends his summers in a small, dwindling village in the Aosta Valley, where he befriends a local boy named Bruno. As the boys grow older, their paths diverge, but a series of events leads them back to each other and to the mountains they once explored together.
Aside from Borghi and Marinelli, “Le Otto Montagne” features a talented cast, including Filippo Timi, Elena Lietti, and Elisabetta Mazzullo. The film has received critical acclaim for its touching portrayal of friendship and its breathtaking visuals, making it a must-see at the upcoming Italian Film Festival in Singapore.
As anticipation builds for the Singapore screening of “Le Otto Montagne,” the film’s success at the 68th David di Donatello Awards serves as a testament to the power of Italian cinema and the incredible talent of its filmmakers and actors. Be sure not to miss this captivating and uplifting film as it takes center stage at the Italian Film Festival on June 9, 2023.