The 83rd Venice International film festival is set This historical drama, which will screen out of competition, promises to blend irony and lightness with traditionally serious topics, a hallmark of Veronesi’s distinctive style.
The film, set in the mid-1600s, is loosely based on true events and centers around the charismatic friar Frate Leopoldo da Casamacchia. Known for his unconventional approach to preaching, Frate Leopoldo’s message of a joyful and accessible God resonates deeply with the people, challenging the established order of the Church.
Themes and Cast of Dio Ride
Dio Ride explores themes of freedom, truth, and the dynamics of power which remain strikingly relevant today. The film’s narrative follows Frate Leopoldo as he inspires thousands, leading to a confrontation with the Vatican. The story culminates in a trial that evolves into a profound examination of faith and doubt.
The stellar cast includes Pierfrancesco FavinoSilvio OrlandoAlma NoceFrancesco GheghiMaurizio LombardiPaolo Rossi and Carlo Cecchi who portrays Pope Innocent X. The film is produced by Indiana ProductionPiperFilm and Ogi Film with Netflix as a collaborator.
Director’s Vision and Festival Highlights
Giovanni Veronesi, known for his work on The King’s Musketeers and the Manual of Love trilogy, expressed his excitement about the film’s selection. ‘I struggle to express my emotions well; I find it difficult to admit when I’m thrilled or happy. However, this time, the invitation to the Venice Film Festival left me surprised and honored. I am happy—there, I’ve said it,’ Veronesi stated.
The festival director, Alberto Barbera praised the film’s unique blend of humor and depth. ‘We will close on a high note thanks to Giovanni Veronesi and his magnificent cast, to whom we owe the successful blend of irony and lightness applied to a traditionally serious topic. It is a tone that belongs to the finest tradition of a certain Italian cinema, one that has been overlooked for far too long,’ Barbera remarked.
Festival Schedule and Release Details
The Venice Film Festival will open with Danny Boyle’s Rupert Murdoch biopic Ink starring Jack O’ConnellGuy Pearce and Claire Foy. The festival runs from September 2 to 12, 2026 with Dio Ride premiering on September 12 in the Sala Grande of the Palazzo del Cinema on the Lido di Venezia.
Dio Ride will be released in Italian cinemas on October 29, 2026 distributed by PiperFilm. International sales are handled by Piperplay.
