Artist Julian Schnabel advocates for Gal Gadot following Venice controversy, stating, "There's no reason to boycott entertainers."
In the heart of Venice, the 82nd International Film Festival is set to take place from Aug. 27 to Sept. 6, 2025. One of the highlights of this year's event is the out-of-competition selection, "In the Hand of Dante."
Directed by veteran artist and auteur Julian Schnabel, the film boasts an all-star cast including Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Martin Scorsese, Jason Momoa, Louis Cancelmi, Franco Nero, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Benjamin Clementine.
The story follows a handwritten manuscript of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy from the Vatican library to a mob boss in New York. Nick Tosches, a writer and Dante expert, plays a role in the film. Oscar Isaac takes on the dual roles of Tosches and Dante.
Schnabel and Louise Kugelberg, with whom he previously worked on "At Eternity's Gate" in 2018, adapted the film from Tosches' novel. Schnabel first became aware of the novel about 15 years ago through his friend Johnny Depp.
Gal Gadot, an Israeli star who completed compulsory service in the Israel Defense Forces, is also part of the cast. However, her representatives stated that she "was never able nor was ever confirmed to attend the Venice Film Festival."
The film is produced by DreamCrew Entertainment, MeMo Films, TWIN Productions, and Artofficial Productions. WME Independent is handling the international sales of "In the Hand of Dante."
During a press conference for the film, Schnabel declined to address the conflict in Gaza directly. Gal Gadot, who has denounced the Gaza war in recent months, is not expected to be present.
Notably, Schnabel has exhibited at the Venice Biennale Art Exhibition five times and premiered his directorial debut Basquiat there in 1996. He will be honoured with the Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award during the world premiere of "In the Hand of Dante" at the 2025 Venice Film Festival.
In 2000, Schnabel's film Before Night Falls, starring Javier Bardem, won Venice's grand jury prize. With "In the Hand of Dante," Schnabel continues to push the boundaries of filmmaking, combining his artistic vision with a compelling narrative.
As the festival approaches, anticipation for "In the Hand of Dante" grows, promising a captivating blend of art, history, and crime drama.
