Director, Ferzan Özpetek is a prolific and celebrated filmmaker that possesses the rare skill of being an accomplished visual craftsman while telling deeply humanistic stories. The Goddess of Fortune is filled with warmth, gentle humour, and heartfelt drama. It is fresh and contemporary in style and thematics, yet at the same time, it harks back to a brilliant tradition of Italian romantic films, with all the joys, passion, trials and tribulations of real love. The love story at the centre of the story is so realistic and thoughtfully evoked that, at times, it felt like it should be private. Levity and, at times, achingly beautiful drama mix together effortlessly in a sophisticated modern tale. It is the story of a couple whose lives are turned upside down when they must take care of a sick friend’s children. This seemingly simple set up is never treated superficially, and therefore all the humour and drama reveals
completely unexpected layers. Under Özpetek’s brave and disarming direction, the colourful cast is nothing short of superb. These are big names in Italian cinema, taking risks and working at the peak of their powers. I expected the multi-award-winning Stefano Accorsi and Jasmine Trinca to deliver, but a real stand out for me is Edoardo Leo, who is usually lauded for his comedic skills. I am proud to programme this film for our Opening Night with its glorious depictions of Rome and Palermo meeting storytelling and acting of the highest order.

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