‘Fiume o Morte!’ Triumphs at Adriatic Film and TV Awards
The first-ever Adriatic Film and TV Awards (AFTA) concluded with a star-studded ceremony in Dubrovnik, Croatia, where the Italian historical epic ‘Fiume o Morte!’ (Fiume or Death!) stole the spotlight. The film claimed three top honors: Best Film, Best Director (Luca Marinelli), and Best Original Screenplay (Giulia Moretti), solidifying its place as a standout in European cinema.
A Celebration of Adriatic Talent
Held at the iconic Dubrovnik Film Palace, AFTA recognized excellence across film and TV from Adriatic nations, including Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro, and Albania. The awards aim to elevate regional storytelling and foster creative collaboration.
‘Fiume o Morte!’ dramatizes the 1920 Italian Free State of Fiume, led by the controversial poet-soldier Gabriele D’Annunzio. After premiering at the Venice Film Festival, the film garnered acclaim for its breathtaking visuals, compelling performances, and masterful script.
Luca Marinelli’s Award-Winning Direction
Luca Marinelli, who directed and starred as D’Annunzio, dedicated his Best Director win to his team, calling the project a “labor of love and historical reckoning.” Critics praised his bold cinematography and ability to humanize a divisive historical figure.
Giulia Moretti’s Screenwriting Mastery
Giulia Moretti took home Best Original Screenplay for her richly researched, poetic dialogue. She described the script as a balance of “D’Annunzio’s madness and the era’s chaos.”
Other AFTA Highlights
- Best Actor: Rade Šerbedžija (The Last Fisherman)
- Best Actress: Alba Rohrwacher (The Silent Daughter)
- Best Documentary: Adriatic Blue (Croatia/Montenegro)
- Best TV Series: Balkan Shadows (Serbia)
AFTA’s Global Potential
AFTA chairman Marko Pavić highlighted the region’s untapped talent, noting growing interest from Netflix and HBO Max. The awards aim to rival festivals like Sarajevo and Karlovy Vary.
Oscar Buzz and Future Projects
With AFTA’s boost, ‘Fiume o Morte!’ may become Italy’s Oscar submission. Marinelli and Moretti are also developing a miniseries on Yugoslavia’s dissolution.
A Bright Future for Adriatic Cinema
AFTA’s debut proves regional stories resonate globally. ‘Fiume o Morte!’’s success sets a high bar—and hints at more groundbreaking work ahead.
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