Paolo Sorrentino’s Cannes Competition entry “Parthenope” has been acquired by A24 for North American distribution.
Inspired by the Greek myth of the siren who threw herself into the sea after failing to seduce Ulysses with her voice, “Parthenope” marks Sorrentino’s seventh Cannes Competition selection. Previous selections include “Youth” in 2015, as well as the eventual best foreign language Oscar winner “The Great Beauty” in 2013 and “Il Divo” in 2008.
The film revolves around the titular character, born in the sea of Naples in 1950, as she searches for happiness during the long summers of her youth. Falling in love with her home city and its many memorable characters, Parthenope’s journey is at the heart of the narrative. Sorrentino also wrote the screenplay.
Starring Gary Oldman, Stefania Sandrelli, Luisa Ranieri, and a host of other talented actors, the Italian-French co-production was shot between Naples and Capri. Produced by The Apartment Pictures and Pathé in association with Numero 10, Saint Laurent, and PiperFilm, “Parthenope” is a Fremantle film.
Producers include Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment Pictures, Anthony Vaccarello for Saint Laurent, Sorrentino for Numero 10, and Ardavan Safaee for Pathé. Douglas Urbanski serves as the executive producer.
Pathé will handle international sales and will also distribute the film in France and Switzerland.
