Giovanni Veronesi's film "Dio Ride" will serve as the closing film for the 2026 Venice International Film Festival [1].
Selecting a high-profile closing film allows the festival to end on a celebratory note, often highlighting domestic Italian talent before the event concludes. The choice of Veronesi's latest work underscores the festival's commitment to balancing international cinema with significant national productions.
The 83rd edition of the festival is scheduled to run from Sept. 2 to Sept. 12, 2026 [2, 3]. "Dio Ride" will be screened out of competition on the final day, Sept. 12, 2026 [2, 3].
Written and directed by Veronesi, the film features Pierfrancesco Favino in a leading role [1]. According to the film synopsis, the story centers on Fra Leopoldo, a character who recounts the Gospel with "contagious joy" while the Church continues to preach in Latin [3].
The festival's programming team said the film was selected specifically to anchor the end of the 2026 schedule [2, 3]. By placing the movie in the out-of-competition slot, the festival ensures the closing night remains a gala event rather than a competitive deliberation. This tradition provides a platform for filmmakers to reach a global audience without the pressure of the Golden Lion race.
Venice remains one of the most prestigious cinematic events in the world, often serving as a launchpad for awards season. The inclusion of "Dio Ride" as the finale ensures that the 83rd edition closes with a narrative focused on spiritual joy, and cultural reflection [3].
“"Dio Ride," written and directed by Giovanni Veronesi, will close the 83rd Venice Intl. Film Festival.”
The appointment of a domestic director and star for the closing night reflects the Venice International Film Festival's role in promoting Italian cultural identity alongside its global cinematic reach. By screening 'Dio Ride' out of competition, the festival prioritizes the prestige of the closing ceremony over competitive stakes, ensuring a curated end to the 83rd edition.
