Lubo

64th TIFF: Greek Premiere

Switzerland, 1939. Lubo, a wandering artist, travels from village to village with his family, struggling to survive. Shortly after being called to defend the border against the Nazis, he learns that his wife has been murdered and his children were kidnapped by the authorities to be “reformed.” Lubo belongs to the Jenisch, a nomadic ethnic minority in Central Europe that Switzerland has systematically tried to eradicate for decades. Giorgio Diritti's new film masterfully unfolds a universal story of epic proportions, made with the most essential, archetypal elements: family, love, revenge, and justice. At the same time, it brings to light an unknown, dark aspect of European history. With its plot spanning two decades and propelled by an unforgettable chameleon-like character, Lubo serves as both a scathing commentary on the supposedly pristine facade of our European society and a reminder of the greatness of an ordinary, humble individual’s will.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Giorgio Diritti

Script: Giorgio Diritti, Fredo Valla

Cinematography: Benjamin Maier

Editing: Paolo Cottignola, Giorgio Diritti

Sound: Patrick Becker

Music: Marco Biscarini

Actors: Franz Rogowski, Christophe Sermet, Valentina Bellè, Valentina Bellè, Cecilia Steiner, Joel Basman

Producers: Marco Cohen, Fabrizio Donvito, Benedetto Habib, Daniel Campos Pavoncelli

Co-production: Indiana production, Hugofilm features, Proxima Milano, Aranciafilm, Rai Cinema, Rsi Radiotelevisione Svizzera SRG/SSR

Co-producers: Fabrizio Donvito, Benedetto Habib, Marco Cohen, Daniel Campos Pavoncelli, Giorgio Diritti, Francesca Scorzoni, Christof Neracher, Claudio Falconi, Alberto Fusco, Andrea Masera

Costumes: Ursula Patzak

Production Design: Giancarlo Basili

Make Up: Cristina Amadio

Format: DCP

Color: Color

Production Country: Italy, Switzerland

Production Year: 2023

Duration: 181'

Contact: True Colours

Giorgio Diritti

Born in Bologna in 1959, Giorgio Diritti is a director, screenwriter, and producer. After starting his career collaborating with some of the most talented Italian directors, Diritti completed his first short, Cappello da Marinaio in 1990. The film was selected in numerous international film festivals including the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Festival. His first feature, Il Vento fa il suo giro – The Wind Blows Round (2005), traveled to more than 60 national and international events (among which the Karlovy Vary Intl. Film Festival, the BFI London Film Festival and the Filmfest Munchen), winning more than 40 awards. The release of the film in Italy is one of the most long-lasting of recent times, as the film was available in Italian cinemas for more than 18 months. In 2020, Diritti directed Hidden Away, which tells the life of painter Antonio Ligabue: the film was presented at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival, where Elio Germano won for his role the Silver Bear for Best Actor.The film later won six David di Donatello Awards, including Best Film and Best Director. His latest feature, Lubo, was selected to compete for the Golden Lion at the 80th Venice International Film Festival in 2023.