EXCLUSIVE: Focus Features’ Edward Berger directed papal drama, Conclave, is opening the 47th Mill Valley Film Festival on Thursday, October 3.
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The Ralph Fiennes-starring feature, which delves into the enigmatic world of a papal conclave, is already set to make its international premiere at the Toronto Film Festival next month; Deadline hears the pic will be making its world premiere at the Telluride Film Festival that begins at the end of this week.
Conclave follows one of the world’s most secretive and ancient events – selecting a new Pope. Cardinal Lawrence (Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope. Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the center of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church. The pic, which is opening on Nov. 1 stateside, also stars Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Carlos Diehz, and Isabella Rossellini.
“Thank you, Edward Berger, for allowing us to enter the secretive world of the Papal conclave. Conclave, with all its intrigue and significance, beautifully portrays the human side of the cardinals, reminding us that despite their rise to the highest levels of the Catholic Church, they remain human, possessing the same strengths and weaknesses as the rest of us. This humanity only deepens the drama, enriched further by superb performances from Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini, along with brilliant supporting roles. While the ritual of MVFF Opening Night (which has been in effect for only 47 years) is in its infancy, I have no doubt our audience will feel the weight and importance of this sacred and ancient ritual, exemplified by your masterful filmmaking.” said Mark Fishkin, Founder of the Mill Valley Film Festival.
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“I’m thrilled that we’re opening this year’s Mill Valley Film Festival with Academy Award-winning director Edward Berger’s latest,” said MVFF Director of Programming Zoë Elton. “He’s again proving himself a director of note—visually, aurally, and as an actors’ director. This film works on so many levels, articulated through an ensemble of actors who are absolutely on the top of their game. Ralph Fiennes’s central performance is gorgeously nuanced. In a role both complex and heartfelt, he creates an unforgettable emotional epicenter to this completely gripping film. It’s a great reminder of why we love cinema!”
The Mill Valley Film Festival is presented by the California Film Institute and runs Oct. 3-13.
The opening night gala will take place at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, CA with screenings at the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, CA, and the Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, CA.
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