Giovanni Tortorici's second feature "Ketticè" brings Monica Bellucci into a coming-of-age drama that marks another collaboration between the emerging Italian filmmaker and producer Luca Guadagnino. The film competes at the Locarno Film Festival this year, following Tortorici's acclaimed debut "Diciannove," which launched from Venice's Horizons section and established him as a distinctive voice in contemporary Italian cinema.
Set in 2012 Palermo, "Ketticè" explores interpersonal dynamics in a narrative that pairs the Oscar-nominated actress with largely non-professional talent. Bellucci portrays an eccentric aristocratic matron, a role that positions her as the film's anchor among a cast of unknowns. This approach echoes Guadagnino's own casting philosophy, where celebrated actors often inhabit singular, defined roles within ensembles built around fresh faces.
Tortorici's partnership with Guadagnino, the acclaimed director behind "Suspiria" and "Challengers," signals confidence in the younger filmmaker's vision. Guadagnino's production backing provides both resources and prestige, allowing Tortorici creative latitude to pursue unconventional casting strategies that blur professional and non-professional acting.
The Locarno selection underscores Tortorici's rapid ascent in the festival circuit. Moving from Venice's discovery-focused Horizons to competing at Locarno represents significant momentum for a director whose debut premiered just last year. The festival, known for championing formally ambitious cinema alongside emerging talent, offers an ideal platform for Tortorici's sophomore work.
Bellucci's involvement elevates the project's international profile while her specific casting as an "eccentric" aristocrat suggests Tortorici constructs character types rather than traditional narrative roles.