Riccardo Scamarcio wins the Orizzonti prize in Venice 83 for 'The Children of the Monkey'

The Orizzonti section of the 83rd Venice International Film Festival (LIVE) awarded Riccardo Scamarcio for Children of the Monkey by Tommaso Landucci. The decision was made by the Orizzonti jury chaired by Valérie Donzelli and composed of Peter Becker, Elizabeth Lo, David Pablos and Barbara Ronchi. The film also received the Orizzonti award for best screenplay.

The award was awarded to Tommaso Landucci and Damiano Femfert.

The words of the actor

"I'm really excited, an honor for me to be here. I dedicate this award to all the fathers in the world, including mine and my mother", said Scamarcio as he accepted the recognition.

The actor then added: "I share this award with a young actor making his debut, his name is Andrea Aggio, who plays my son in the film."

Raising the award on stage, he concluded: “Andrea, we won!”.

In his speech he also remembered the producer Jeremy Thomas, who passed away today at the age of 77: "A free man. Thanks Jeremy".

In-depth analysis

The film profile

The plot of Children of the Monkey

Tommaso Landucci's film addresses the theme of parenthood through a story that focuses on the bond between a father and a son.

Scamarcio plays a man called to confront his role as a parent and the expectations, fears and desires that accompany fatherhood. The story develops between the relationship with the real son and that with an imagined son, in a journey that intertwines concrete and internal dimensions.

The cast also includes Lidiya Liberman and Andrea Aggio. The film will arrive in theaters on September 17.