Hollywood actor Al Pacino was absent from the Venice Film Festival premiere of his latest project “Father Joe,” but made his presence felt through a recorded message delivered to the event. Speaking from behind dark sunglasses, Pacino expressed his regret at missing the occasion while offering encouragement to the film’s cast and crew, specifically acknowledging writer-producer Luc Besson and co-star Kiefer Sutherland.
“Father Joe” is an action thriller set during the 1990s in Manhattan’s Little Italy, centering on a priest character who becomes embroiled in conflict with organized crime figures. The film marks the directorial debut of Barthélemy Grossmann, who describes the project as exploring themes of faith, redemption, and human complexity. Sutherland takes on the lead role of Father Joe, a clergyman engaged in an unconventional battle against criminal enterprises, while Pacino portrays an influential mob boss. Ever Anderson rounds out the principal cast as a young woman navigating perilous circumstances.
Sutherland revealed that Besson’s involvement as writer and producer motivated his participation in the film, citing his admiration for the French filmmaker’s previous works including “The Fifth Element” and “Lucy.” Besson adopted a minimalist approach to his producing duties, allowing debut director Grossmann creative freedom without interference, comparing his role to that of a supportive background presence rather than an active hands-on collaborator.
Originally reported by Variety →
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