RAI Cinema International Distribution Debuts at Cannes with Exciting New Slate

A year after its launch, RAI Cinema International Distribution has made a noteworthy entrance at Cannes with its first comprehensive slate. At the forefront is “Heads or Tails,” a surreal Western starring John C. Reilly as the infamous Buffalo Bill during his Italian sojourn, showcased in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section. This marks a significant milestone for the Italian state broadcaster’s new sales unit, emphasizing its commitment to bringing innovative stories from Italy to international audiences.

A Focus on Ecological Narratives

In addition to “Heads or Tails,” RAI’s slate features intriguing documentaries, including the much-anticipated “Tears for Firs.” Directed by the acclaimed Russian filmmaker Victor Kossakovsky, known for his works like “Gunda” and “Aquarela,” this documentary explores the life cycle of trees and their connection to our planet. Collaborating with renowned Italian botanist Stefano Mancuso, a pioneer in plant neurobiology, Kossakovsky aims to shed light on critical ecological themes that resonate globally. “It’s about the entire life cycle of trees and the correlation between plant life and the life of our planet,” explains Paolo Del Brocco, RAI Cinema’s chief.

“Tears for Firs” is produced by Be Water Film, based in Rome, and is part of RAI’s broader mission to enhance the visibility of Italian cinema on the global stage.

Building a Strong Sales Foundation

Del Brocco sat down with Variety at Cannes to share insights into the goals and progress of RAI’s new sales unit. “We are Italy’s main movie producers, so it made sense for us to start directly handling sales for a portion of our films in order to give them greater visibility in global markets,” he stated. The unit aims to support new Italian cinema, showcasing a solid lineup that has garnered significant attention in just one year. Successful projects include Margherita Vicario’s musical comedy “Gloria!”, which sold to 40 countries, and Trudy Styler’s documentary “Posso Entrare? An Ode to Naples,” which found an audience in 35 countries, including Hulu in the U.S.

What’s particularly exciting is the strong performance of Paolo Genovese’s film “Madly,” which has been sold to 40 territories and is still attracting buyers. With remake rights now in demand, Del Brocco mentions they have successfully sold “Madly” to China, aligning with Genovese’s participation in the upcoming Shanghai Film Festival.

Anticipating Sales for “Heads or Tails”

With “Heads or Tails” debuting at Cannes, expectations for its sales are high. This film represents the second feature from directors Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppi, whose previous project, “The Tale of King Crab,” received critical applause at Directors’ Fortnight. Del Brocco expresses optimism about the film, stating, “It’s a very original film; we really believe in it.” Featuring an impressive cast, including Alessandro Borghi and French star Nadia Tereszkiewicz, “Heads or Tails” tells a captivating story about Buffalo Bill’s adventures in Italy, igniting significant interest among market attendees even before reviews begin to circulate.

More Standout Titles from RAI

RAI’s commitment to showcasing a range of compelling stories is evident in its lineup of fresh titles:

• “A Year of School”: This film, directed by Laura Samani, is adapted from Giani Stuparich’s 1929 novel. Set in a 2007 all-boys high school in Trieste, the narrative revolves around the arrival of a spirited Swedish girl who changes the dynamics of the class.

• “Siblings”: Marking the directorial debut of Greta Scarano, this tender comedy stars Matilda De Angelis as a woman returning home to care for her autistic brother, Omar. Scarano is gaining recognition for her acting roles in projects like “The Name of The Rose.”

• “Elisa — Io la volevo uccidere”: This psychological drama from Leonardo Di Costanzo features a compelling cast that includes French-Moroccan actor Roschd Zem and Italy’s Barbara Ronchi.

• “Christmas Song”: A documentary by Roberta Torre that follows female inmates in a Milan penitentiary preparing to perform Christmas carols, offering a poignant glimpse into their lives and stories.

Conclusion

RAI Cinema International Distribution’s debut at Cannes signifies a crucial step in promoting Italian cinema worldwide. As new titles like “Heads or Tails” and “Tears for Firs” push creative boundaries and address vital themes, RAI is poised to enhance its role in the global film industry. Del Brocco’s enthusiasm and commitment to elevating Italian narratives underscore a bright future for both RAI and its slate of upcoming films. With promising successes and innovative projects, RAI is on track to captivate audiences worldwide and foster a greater appreciation for Italian artistry in cinema.

For more insights into the vibrant world of Italian films, check out our articles on Italian Cinema, Documentary Highlights, and the latest trends in Film Festivals.