Italian auteur Mario Martone is set to make waves at the Cannes Film Festival with his latest film, Fuori, which stands as the sole Italian entry competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or. The festival, taking place from May 13 to May 24, 2025, will showcase the film on May 20, just two days before its theatrical release in Italy on May 22.
Fuori, translated as "Outside," is a drama that delves into the life of feminist writer Goliarda Sapienza, best known for her posthumously published erotic novel, The Art of Joy. The film is inspired by Sapienza's autobiographical work, L'università di Rebibbia, which recounts her time in a Roman prison during the early 1980s.
Martone, who last competed at Cannes in 2022 with Nostalgia, has crafted Fuori with a unique vision, steering clear of a conventional biopic. In an interview with Variety, he explained, "Ippolita di Majo [the film’s screenwriter] had this beautiful intuition: to just look at one summer and the bond between these two friends, leaving out any trace of being a biopic." Martone aims to portray the connection between two women—Sapienza, played by Valeria Golino, and Roberta, a character portrayed by Matilda De Angelis, who is both a petty criminal and a political activist.
The film promises to be a poignant exploration of friendship and resilience against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in Italy. Martone describes it as a "road movie" set in Rome, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant yet challenging atmosphere in the 1980s. "I liked this a lot. I saw two beautiful female characters. And there was this possibility of making this a journey across Rome in 1980. A road movie. This fascinated me a lot," he remarked.
Valeria Golino's involvement in Fuori is particularly noteworthy, as she has been instrumental in bringing Sapienza's story to the forefront. Golino, who directed a TV series adaptation of The Art of Joy that premiered at Cannes last year, has long sought to collaborate with Martone. Their chemistry on set is palpable, with Martone stating, "There was real love and connection between her and the other actors. I think this is very important, you can feel that a lot in the film."
To evoke the feel of classic cinema, Martone enlisted the talents of cinematographer Paolo Carnera. The film is shot in a 1:66 aspect ratio, a format rarely used in contemporary filmmaking. Martone expressed his desire to create a visual experience reminiscent of old films, saying, "We started from the idea of wanting the movie to be perceived as being shot on film, even though it’s shot digitally. So chromatically we referenced the cinema of those years."
In addition to its compelling narrative and visual style, Fuori features a soundtrack by British musician Robert Wyatt, known for his fragile yet vibrant voice. Martone explained that he sought a female voice to complement the film's themes but ultimately found Wyatt's voice resonated deeply with the character of Goliarda Sapienza. "I thought: who cares if it’s a male voice, it’s the voice of a soul. And it was a soul that suddenly I felt was able to have an intense dialogue with the soul of Goliarda Sapienza," he noted.
The 78th edition of the Cannes Film Festival will not only highlight Fuori but also feature a star-studded jury led by acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche. Binoche, who made her debut at Cannes 40 years ago, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to chair the jury, stating, "It’s a role that I welcome with gratitude, sense of responsibility, and profound humility." She will be joined by fellow jurors including Halle Berry, Alba Rohrwacher, and Jeremy Strong.
In a display of Italian pride, the Rohrwacher sisters—Alice and Alba—are also making their mark at the festival, with Alice presiding over the Caméra d'Or jury, dedicated to the best first feature film. This representation underscores Italy's significant presence at Cannes 2025, as the country showcases its cinematic talent on the global stage.
As the festival approaches, excitement is building not only for Fuori but also for a host of other films in competition. Among the anticipated titles are Eddington by Ari Aster, The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt, and The History of Sound by Oliver Hermanus. The festival will open with Leave One Day, marking the directorial debut of Amélie Bonnin.
With the Cannes Film Festival set to illuminate the Croisette once again, the spotlight on Fuori and its exploration of female friendship and resilience promises to leave a lasting impression on audiences. As Martone aptly puts it, the film is not merely a reflection of Sapienza's life but a celebration of the enduring bonds that can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
