Minerva Pictures at Rome Film Festival: “Reading Lolita in Teheran” and “Ciao Bambino ” win critics and audiences!
7 November 2024
We are delighted to close the 19th Rome Film Festival with three prestigious awards for two films in which we strongly believed, showcasing our ongoing commitment to high-quality independent cinema and storytelling that leaves a lasting impression.
Leggere Lolita a Teheran directed by Eran Riklis and based on the bestselling novel by Azar Nafisi, received both the FS Audience Award for Best Film and the Jury’s Special Award for Best Cast. Director Eran Riklis and the cast accepted the awards, presented by the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri and actress Laetitia Casta.
Set in post-revolutionary Iran under Khomeini, the film tells the story of a university professor who defies the regime’s strict restrictions by organizing a clandestine literary circle. Through the reading of banned Western works like “Lolita,” a group of young women, led by a remarkable ensemble cast including Golshifteh Farahani, Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, and Mina Kavani, rediscover the power of words and free expression as they strive for emancipation in a repressive society.
A co-production by Minerva Pictures, Rosamont, Eran Riklis Production, and Topia Communications, in collaboration with Rai Cinema, United King Films, and Westend Film. In theaters from November 21 with FilmClub Distribuzione and Minerva Pictures.
Ciao Bambino the debut film by Edgardo Pistone, won the Award for Best Debut Film. Director Edgardo Pistone accepted the award from director and screenwriter Francesca Comencini.
The film provides an authentic glimpse into contemporary Naples, following Attilio, a young man torn between following his heart and facing the debts left by his father.
Produced by Minerva Pictures, Bronx Film, Anemone Film, and Mosaicon Film, Ciao Bambino will soon be released in theaters by FilmClub Distribuzione and Minerva Pictures.
A heartfelt thank you to all our partners, directors, cast, and crew who made these works possible. Look for them in theaters – they’re not to be missed!