ROME, 29 October 2024 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the premiere of Modì – Three Days on the Wing of Madness at the 19th Rome Film Festival, where she joined distinguished guests for the presentation of a film she supported as producer through ILBE S.p.A. (now LBM S.p.A.). The screening marked Johnny Depp’s return to directing after twenty-five years, following his 1997 directorial debut The Brave.
The film explores seventy-two hours in the turbulent life of Amedeo Modigliani, portrayed by Italian actor Riccardo Scamarcio. An international ensemble complements Scamarcio’s performance: Luisa Ranieri joins Antonia Desplat (The French Dispatch, Operation Finale), Bruno Gouery (Emily in Paris, The White Lotus), Ryan McParland (Kissing Candice, Halo), Stephen Graham (Gangs of New York, This is England), and Al Pacino.
Set in 1916 Paris, Modì depicts the artist fleeing police pursuit while contemplating permanent departure from the French capital. His bohemian circle—including Maurice Utrillo and Chaïm Soutine (portrayed by Gouery and McParland), along with his muse Beatrice Hastings (Desplat)—persuades him to remain. During this period of artistic and existential crisis, marked by hallucinatory experiences, Modigliani seeks counsel from art dealer Léopold Zborowski (Graham) and encounters collector Maurice Gangnat (Pacino), leading to an unexpected narrative turn.
Produced by ILBE S.p.A., IN.2 Film, and Barry Navidi Productions, the film will be distributed in Italy through Be Water Film in collaboration with Maestro Distribution and Medusa Film.
Based on Dennis McIntyre’s 1980 play Modigliani, the project languished for decades after Al Pacino conceived it in the 1970s. Following numerous postponements, the screenplay by Mary and Jerzy Kromolowski eventually reached Johnny Depp. Pacino served as both actor and producer.
Lady Monika Bacardi graced the red carpet alongside Johnny Depp, cast members, and the film’s production team. She was accompanied by her longtime friend Emanuele Filiberto di Savoia.
Following the premiere, Depp received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the festival. Riccardo Scamarcio presented the honor, quoting Italian theatrical icon Carmelo Bene: “There are fools who have seen the Madonna and who fly. You are a fool who has never seen the Madonna, but flies, flies, flies. I love you.”
The American actor-director expressed his gratitude on stage with artistic director Paola Malanga: “Thank you; without you, I wouldn’t be here and probably wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
Modì – Three Days on the Wing of Madness will open in Italian cinemas on 21 November.
