OFFICIAL SELECTION – 2018 LAVAZZA ITALIAN FILM FESTIVAL
Based on the long running off-Broadway play, talented writer/director Alessandro Genovesi’s hilarious, feel-good comedy hit MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING tells the story of a complicated trip to the altar, as a young man travels to his conservative Italian hometown to marry his fiancé.
When baby-faced Antonio (Cristiano Caccamo) pops the question to his boyfriend Paolo (Salvatore Esposito) in their Berlin apartment just before Easter, things take an awkward turn… it becomes apparent that Antonio hasn’t come out to his parents. While they aren’t sure about their families’ reactions, the pair decides to head home to Italy to break the news and plan their big day.
Accompanied by a couple of well-meaning but somewhat eccentric friends, Antonio and Paolo arrive at the stunning village of Civita di Bagnoregio, where Antonio was raised. His mother (Monica Guerritore) is immediately supportive, but only if the wedding meets her expectations: her favourite celebrity wedding planner must oversee all the arrangements; Paolo’s estranged mother must be in attendance; and the marriage has to be officiated by the town mayor (Diego Abatantuono), who happens to be Antonio’s staid and somewhat less-than-enthusiastic father.
The sleeper box office hit of the European summer, and an audience favourite at the 2018 Italian Film Festival, MY BIG GAY ITALIAN WEDDING tackles contemporary social issues without taking itself too seriously. Lively and wholly-entertaining, Genovesi explores the obstacles that come with breaking long-held traditions and gaining acceptance with a light touch, a big heart and a whole lot of love.
