Moretti's Venice Return: Stars on Working with an Italian Icon

Nanni Moretti has made a notable return to the Venice Film Festival after an absence of 37 years, presenting his new romantic comedy, It Will Happen Tonight (Succederà questa notte). The film, a loose adaptation of Eshkol Nevo's short story collection Hungry Heart, stars Louis Garrel and Jasmine Trinca as a couple navigating love and destiny over many years.

Speaking at the festival, Garrel described Moretti as an "icon" whose influence extends beyond cinema. "He is a director, he is also an actor, also a public figure," Garrel said. "He has participated in the social life of the country, even in political life from the point of view of his opinions. And everyone wanted to have his opinion, like some kind of guru."

Trinca, who first worked with Moretti 25 years ago on her debut film, spoke about the experience of returning to his set. She admitted to initially feeling uncertain, sensing he wanted something very specific from her. However, seeing the finished film changed her perspective. "We are pieces of Nanni Moretti in the film, it's his language, it's his cinema and this is its beauty," she explained. She added that his directorial intervention ultimately felt freeing, reminding her of his early advice to not act.

Discussing the film's central theme, Trinca noted its untheoretical approach to love. "What can you theorize about love?" she asked. "The film is a question. 'It will happen tonight?' So, will there be that chance. And that's all love is."

Garrel also praised the film's cinematic quality, noting it is not a naturalistic work. "The way of talking about love like a cinematic object... it is always, to me as an audience, it's always a pleasure," he said.

The 83rd Venice International Film Festival runs until 12 September 2026.