Luca Guadagnino Champions Giovanni Tortorici’s ‘Ketticè’ Amidst Italy’s “Sterile” Film Landscape

Luca Guadagnino attended the 79th edition of the Locarno Film Festival in Switzerland, not to discuss the ongoing developments surrounding his OpenAI film, Artificial, but to highlight the work of his protégé, Giovanni Tortorici. The acclaimed filmmaker expressed his support for Tortorici’s sophomore feature, Ketticè, during a meeting with reporters.

Spotlight on Ketticè

Set in Palermo, Sicily, in 2012, Ketticè follows the life of Giulio, a disenchanted 16-year-old navigating a world devoid of excitement and ambition. The film portrays Giulio’s journey as he forms a close friendship with Ketty, a more self-assured peer who offers him a glimpse of freedom from his monotonous existence. The narrative is described as a shared refuge for the characters, allowing them to escape the judgmental gaze of the adult world.

The film features a talented cast, including Salvatore Gallina, Rachele Testagrossa, and Monica Bellucci, who plays Giulio’s mother. The title Ketticè is derived from Ketty’s nickname in the Sicilian dialect. The cinematography is handled by Camilla Cattabriga, with editing by Marco Costa. International sales for the film are managed by PiperPlay.

Preserving Italian Cinema

Guadagnino reflected on the rich history of Italian cinema and emphasized the importance of supporting emerging filmmakers like Tortorici. He noted that Italian cinema has historically produced some of the most significant figures in film history, creating a system that many other countries envied. However, he lamented that the advent of private television and the influence of the Berlusconi empire led to a decline in the film industry, with a shift toward television production and a loss of diverse genres.

He stated, “Most definitely,” affirming his commitment to preserving the tradition of Italian cinema through projects like Ketticè. Guadagnino pointed out that the industry has become sterile and devoid of a unique language and perspective, which he believes is essential for the future of cinema.

The Role of Emerging Voices

Guadagnino expressed his admiration for Tortorici, describing him as a rare talent in the current landscape of Italian cinema. He emphasized the necessity of protecting such voices, stating that every effort should be made to provide Tortorici with the means to express himself fully. He believes that introducing films like Ketticè is crucial for paving the way for future filmmakers.

He elaborated on the mindset that drives storytelling, stating that it encompasses how filmmakers approach their craft, the narratives they choose to tell, and their interpretations of reality. Guadagnino mentioned that the authenticity of storytelling is vital, as it resonates with audiences on a universal level.

Tortorici’s Perspective

Tortorici shared insights into the themes explored in Ketticè, particularly how institutions such as family, school, and the state often fail young people. He attributed the shortcomings to adults, who he believes are entrenched in a cultural context shaped by ultra-capitalism and media influence.

Looking ahead, Tortorici expressed a desire to explore narratives that diverge from his autobiographical experiences. He noted that during the filming of Ketticè, he encountered individuals from challenging backgrounds in Palermo, which inspired him to delve deeper into the struggles of youth against authority figures.

He articulated a concern about the family structure, suggesting that it often contributes to the repression of individuals. Tortorici aims to examine these dynamics further in his future projects, focusing on diverse experiences across different societal segments.

As reported by Hollywood Reporter.

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Published on 2026-08-09 13:00:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk