Tinto Brass's 'Deadly Sweet' (1967) to be Pre-Opening Film of 83rd Venice Film Festival

Tinto Brass's 1967 film 'Deadly Sweet' (Col cuore in gola) has been announced as the pre-opening film of the 83rd Venice Film Festival. A restored digital 4K version of the film, carried out by the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia with support from Netflix, will be screened on September 1st. The festival itself is scheduled to run from September 2nd to 12th, 2026.

Context

'Deadly Sweet' is a notable film from Tinto Brass, an influential director known for his provocative style. The film, originally released in 1967, has gained a cult following over the years. The Venice Film Festival, one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals, serves as a platform for both emerging and established filmmakers.

Why it matters

The inclusion of 'Deadly Sweet' as the pre-opening film highlights the Venice Film Festival's commitment to celebrating classic cinema. This restoration represents an effort to preserve and promote significant works in film history. It also underscores the collaboration between traditional cinema institutions and modern streaming platforms like Netflix.

Implications

The restoration and screening may lead to renewed interest in Tinto Brass's work and similar films from that era. This could influence programming choices at other film festivals and retrospectives. Additionally, the collaboration between film restoration entities and streaming services may pave the way for future projects aimed at preserving cinematic history.

What to watch

The screening of the restored version on September 1st will set the tone for the festival. Attendees and critics will likely discuss the film's impact on contemporary cinema. Observers should also watch for audience reactions and any potential awards considerations that may arise from this screening.