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92m
IFF26: La Scala: The Force of Destiny
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Synopsis
Australian premiere
La forza del destino
Anissa Bonnefont’s atmospheric documentary follows 900 artists, staff and technicians at Milan’s legendary Teatro alla Scala over four months as they race to stage a new production of Verdi's The Force of Destiny for the theatre’s traditional 7 December Opening Night gala.
Inside La Scala's creative hive, stage director Leo Muscato readies his vision with the set and costume design teams, as the chorus and orchestra rehearse under maestro Riccardo Chailly, and theatre staff prepare the 250-year-old venue. There is added anticipation with the arrival of the star international cast, set to fill the theatre's hallowed halls with their powerful voices. But with the clock ticking, the tension backstage builds. Will they be ready when the curtain rises?
Filmed with unprecedented access, La Scala: The Force of Destiny is more than a behind‑the‑scenes chronicle. Beautifully capturing the remarkable endeavour of staging a major new production, it reveals the passion, apprehension and brilliance of these artists, and celebrates the grandeur and preciousness of the artform.
OFFICIAL SELECTION – Rome Film Fest 2025
Italian with English subtitles and English
Rating
PG
Length
92m
Reviews
No opera evening is more important than this one.
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