Rome-based sales outfit True Colours has boarded Marco Santi’s Giaffa the Great, ahead of its unveiling as the opening film of the Venice International Film Critics’ Week (see the news). The picture will screen as a special event during the independent sidebar of the Venice Film Festival.

Santi’s debut feature following various shorts, Giaffa the Great stars Edoardo Pesce, whose recent credits include Matteo Garrone’s Dogman and Enrico Maria Artale’s El Paraíso, alongside Carlotta Gamba, seen in Maura Delpero’s Vermiglio and Margherita Vicario’s Gloria!.

The story centres on Giacomo Falta, a man who feels ignored by everyone around him and remains unable to find his place in the world. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with the charismatic Great Giason, the biggest star of the moment. Convinced that adopting somebody else’s face will finally allow him to be seen, Giacomo takes a reckless leap. What follows is a long night during which the boundary between identity and illusion becomes increasingly blurred, until it disappears altogether (see the news).

“We have always believed that Giaffa the Great could resonate far beyond national borders, and finding the right partner to accompany that journey was essential. True Colours immediately recognised the film’s unique voice and its emotional power, giving us great confidence in the path ahead. We couldn’t be happier to have them by our side,” said the producers.

Fabio Tucci, head of Acquisitions at True Colours, added: “We are grateful to the producers for the trust they have placed in us. We fell in love with the film from the moment we read the script, and seeing it confirmed our enthusiasm. Marco has done an extraordinary job with an outstanding cast. We are thrilled to work with such talented young filmmakers who are bringing fresh ideas and new energy to Italian cinema.”

Giaffa the Great was produced by Italian firms Andromeda Film and 10D Film.