Renowned Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn premiered both an early film and new commercial short at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Refn is well known for directing films like 1996’s “Pusher,” which launched his career. At the festival, he screened “Pusher” alongside a recently created short film commissioned by Italian motorcycle company Agusta.
The short, titled “Beauty Is Not A Sin,” tells the story of a priest and a woman in confession. It explores themes of desire, morality, and the nature of attractiveness through religious imagery. “Beauty Is Not A Sin” makes history as the first commercial ever selected for Venice’s official selection. Refn worked with Agusta to craft the piece, which was filmed on the island of Sicily.
In an interview, Refn discussed the creative process. He chose a confessional setting to represent Italian culture while addressing complex topics. “The objectification, sexualization, visualization of mechanics… it was a good idea, and I just had to figure out the story around it,” Refn stated. He aimed to treat religious symbols with respect and approached the sensitive subject with humility.
The director suggested that society often views attractiveness as sinful due to repressed urges. “To imagine is creative,” Refn asserted, highlighting the tension between morals and inner fantasies. He sees the short film as an opportunity for brands to gain visibility and directors to enjoy creative free rein without narrative constraints.
By screening “Pusher” and “Beauty Is Not A Sin” together, Refn offered viewers insight into his development as an artist over time. He expressed surprise at having his early work included in the festival’s classics section. Refn sees the pairing as representing his past and future intersecting.
Looking ahead, Refn is planning an English and Japanese language film shooting in Tokyo, marking his return to features. His interest in travel and multicultural exposure dates back to childhood visits to New York City. As Refn stretches boundaries in commercial and traditional filmmaking, the Venice festival celebrated the evolution of his craftsmanship.
