The City of the Living
2026 Italian drama film
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The City of the Living (Italian: La città dei vivi) is an upcoming Italian drama film directed by Edoardo Gabbriellini, written by Damiano and Fabio D'Innocenzo and based on the 2020 novel La città dei vivi by Nicola Lagioia.[1][2] It stars Emanuele Maria Di Stefano, Gaia Merlonghi, Valerio Mastandrea, and Simona Senzacqua.
| The City of the Living | |
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster | |
| Italian | La città dei vivi |
| Directed by | Edoardo Gabbriellini |
| Screenplay by | Damiano and Fabio D'Innocenzo |
| Based on | |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Amine Messadi |
| Edited by | Jacopo Ramella Pajrin |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Eagle Pictures |
Release dates |
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Running time | 104 minutes |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
The film will have its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on 4 September 2026.[3] It is scheduled to be theatrically released in Italy by Eagle Pictures on 1 October.
Synopsis
Luca, a 23-year-old car mechanic, lives in La Storta, Rome. He lives happily with the family that adopted him and shares a close bond with his friends and girlfriend. As he moves between the suburbs and the city, he is trying to understand who he is and what he wants from life. Like many young people his age, he feels that his future is full of possibilities, yet also uncertain and confusing. During this period of self-discovery, Luca secretly leads a double life. One night, following what seems to be a simple chance encounter, his life suddenly changes forever when he becomes the victim of a brutal and senseless act of violence.
Cast
- Emanuele Maria Di Stefano as Luca Varani
- Gaia Merlonghi as Marta
- Valerio Mastandrea as the father
- Simona Senzacqua as the mother
- Roberta Mattei
Production
The film is loosely based on the 2020 novel La città dei vivi by Nicola Lagioia. It follows the tragic story of Luca Varani, a 23-year-old man who was killed in Rome on the night of 4th and 5th March 2016. Drawing on both the novel and the real-life news story that inspired it, the screenplay takes the event as its narrative starting point.[4]
Filming began in March 2026 with a six weeks schedule in Rome.[5]
Release
The City of the Living will have its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival on 4 September 2026.[6][7] The film will have its International Premiere in Centrepiece at the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival on 13 September 2026.[8][9]
Subsequently it will be released in Italian cinemas by Eagle Pictures on 1 October 2026.[10]
Rome-based PiperPlay acquired the international sales rights to the film before its world premiere in Orizzonti.[11]
Accolades
| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Venice Film Festival | 12 September 2026 | Orizzonti Award for Best Film | The City of the Living | Pending | [12] |