PODCAST| Nicolò Comotti interviews Mike Leigh, director of the film Peterloo.
Mike Leigh is here in Venice to present his latest film Peterloo, in Venice 75’s official competition. It turned out to be a chance for us to hear his view on filmmaking and how the presence of certain, simple things can easily make you a director.
Peterloo: An epic portrayal of the events surrounding the infamous 1819 Peterloo Massacre, where a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peter’s Field in Manchester turned into one of the bloodiest and most notorious episodes in British history. The massacre saw British government forces charge into a crowd of over 60,000 that had gathered to demand political reforms and protest against rising levels of poverty. Many protestors were killed and hundreds more injured, sparking a nationwide outcry but also further government suppression. The Peterloo Massacre was a defining moment in British democracy which also played a significant role in the founding of The Guardian newspaper.
Oscar-nominated Bosnian showrunner Jasmila Žbanić on series "I Know Your Soul", the real-life suicide case behind the story, subverting stereotypes with her female lead and the series' central theme of the importance of family and communication.
"Arni" is inspired by the powerful and intense image of the lead actor, Péter Ture. It tells a story of resilience and strength in a world that can be hostile and mean.
The Lovers Film Festival celebrates 40 years with 70 films from 26 countries, international guests and tributes to LGBTQI+ cinema icons. Directed by Vladimir Luxuria, from 10 to 17 April at the Cinema Massimo in Turin.