The Art of Joy L'arte della gioia
Synopsis
Sicily, 1900. Modesta is born into a life of poverty, but, rebellious by nature, she believes that she is destined for a better life. Moving from her childhood home deep in the mountains to an imposing convent for wealthy young women and eventually to a decadent aristocratic estate, she rises up in the world. Using her wit, assertiveness, and guile, she emerges as a fearless and emancipated bisexual character, willing to stand up to all systems of domination.
Through sumptuous photography, beautifully crafted costumes, and impressive direction, The Art of Joy assiduously builds Modesta’s world – interior and exterior – absorbing us wholly into her perspective and life experience. Director Valeria Golino creates a stunningly relevant adaptation of Goliarda Sapienza’s subversive novel, which was deemed too outrageous to be published when it was completed in the 1970s.
Two-part film with intermission and Q&A
In Focus: Italy on Screen
This film is part of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s In Focus: Italy on Screen collection, celebrating Italian cinema by harkening back to the best of the country’s filmmaking traditions while showcasing vibrant new work.
Screenings & Events
Screening
Thu, Oct 17 @ 5:00pm CDT
at AMC NEWCITY 14, screen 04
Director Valeria Golino
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Media
Film Credits
- Viola Prestieri
- Valeria Golino, Valia Santella, Francesca Marciano, Luca Infascelli, Stefano Sardo
- Giogiò Franchini
- Fabio Cianchetti
- Tecla Insolia, Jasmine Trinca, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Guido Caprino, Alma Noce, Giovanni Bagnasco, Giuseppe Spata
- Tóti Guðnason
- Viola Prestieri, Valeria Golino, Gennaro Formisano, Nils Hartmann, Sonia Rovai, Erica Negri
Sponsors
Film Patron
Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation