The 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de La Comédie opened its doors on Wednesday November 12th at the Grimaldi Forum for four days of comedy cinema under the high patronage of Prince Albert II.
Ezio Greggio, the festival’s founder and director, established the event with the late maestro Mario Monicelli more than two decades ago. On Wednesday, he presented this year’s jury. Italian actress and director Claudia Gerini takes the president’s chair, while actor Franco Nero serves as honorary president.
“This festival does everyone good, and more than ever, we need positive messages,” said Gerini at the opening.
Nero, whose career spans over 250 films and 30 nationalities, reflected on cinema’s deeper purpose. “Film will continue to exist as long as people continue to dream,” he said. “Cinema is freedom – in countries without freedom, there is cinema.” The actor is set to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, adding to his lifetime achievement award from the festival.
The jury also includes Spanish actress Teresa Riott and American director Daniel McVicar, best known for his role in ‘The Bold and the Beautiful’, who will oversee the short film competition.
The competition and the star-studded finale
Seven features are competing for prizes, ranging from Argentine comedy ‘Homo Sapiens?’ to Danish entry ‘The Last Viking’ starring Mads Mikkelsen. French and Italian productions round out the programme, alongside four short films in competition. All screenings are free to the public at the Grimaldi Forum’s Salle Camille Blanc.
Meanwhile, the closing gala on November 15th promises a true star line-up. Italian comedy legends Lino Banfi, Massimo Boldi and Vincenzo Salemme will receive honours, while television presenter Gerry Scotti gets a special achievement award.
Director Paolo Genovese will be recognised for his recent hit ‘Follemente’ and actress Madalina Ghenea and filmmaker Gabriele Mainetti are among the celebrities expected on stage. Pablo Reyes of Gipsy Kings will perform and accept a lifetime achievement awards for his musical legacy.
Stay updated with Monaco Life: sign up for our free newsletter, catch our podcast on Spotify, and follow us across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Tik Tok.
Main photo from left to right: Daniel McVidal, Teresa Riott, Ezio Greggio, Claudia Gerini, Franco Nero. Photo credit: Chiappalone-MCFF