Johnny Depp will premiere his latest directorial effort, Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness, at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival in Spain. The film tells the story of Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani through his turbulent life in Paris during World War I.
Modi stars Riccardo Scamarcio as Modigliani. The movie focuses on a chaotic 72-hour period and depicts Modigliani’s struggles with art and love against the backdrop of war. Well-known actor Al Pacino plays a role in the film’s creation and encouraged Depp to direct it. Depp called the experience of making the film “incredibly fulfilling” and thanked Pacino along with the committed cast and crew.
Along with Scamarcio and Pacino, Modi features acclaimed actors like Stephen Graham and Antonia Desplat. While some expected the film at the Venice Film Festival, it will instead debut out of competition at San Sebastian on September 20th. As a festival known for prestigious movies and acclaim, San Sebastian will provide a fitting premiere for Depp’s return to directing.
Depp last directed in 1997 but has now returned with Modi, which examines Modigliani’s distinctive artistic style and brief but impactful career that ended tragically at age 35. Critics and fans are eager to see Depp’s first major directorial project in over 20 years and how it handles Modigliani’s dynamic life unfolding amidst the chaos of war-torn Paris. The premiere at San Sebastian, where Depp received a lifetime award in 2021, will offer an early look at his directorial comeback.
This year’s San Sebastian Festival runs from September 20-28 and highlights new films from renowned directors as well as special screenings. In addition to Modi, movies vying for the top Golden Shell prize include those from Mike Leigh, François Ozon and Costa-Gavras. The diverse programming underscores the festival’s global reputation for launching new filmmaking talents.
