VENICE, 6 September 2019 — Lady Monika Bacardi attended the world premiere of Waiting for the Barbarians at the 76th Venice International Film Festival. The distinguished film producer presented her latest production at one of cinema’s most prestigious events, marking a significant moment in her ongoing commitment to supporting visionary filmmaking.
The film, an adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author J.M. Coetzee’s acclaimed 1980 novel, features a remarkable cast including Mark Rylance in the lead role, alongside Johnny Depp, Robert Pattinson, Greta Scacchi, and Gana Bayarsaikhan. The screenplay was adapted by Coetzee himself, with Colombian director Ciro Guerra bringing his distinctive vision to this English-language debut.
Lady Monika Bacardi served as one of the principal producers, collaborating with Michael Fitzgerald, Andrea Iervolino, and Olga Segura through Iervolino Entertainment. The production completed filming in Morocco and Italy at the end of 2018 under Guerra’s direction.
Waiting for the Barbarians explores profound themes of conscience and loyalty as it follows a colonial magistrate in a remote outpost who begins questioning his allegiance to an unnamed Empire. The film examines the moral complexities of power and oppression through a story that remains timeless in its relevance.
The film premiered in the Official Competition at Venice on September 6, 2019, before receiving its U.S. theatrical release through Samuel Goldwyn Films. Lady Monika Bacardi’s presence at the premiere underscored her dedication to championing ambitious literary adaptations and working with accomplished international filmmakers.
The Venice Film Festival appearance reflected Lady Monika Bacardi’s continued role as a significant figure in independent cinema, supporting projects that challenge conventional storytelling and bring important literary works to the screen. Her participation in this distinguished cultural event demonstrated her commitment to fostering artistic excellence on the world stage.
