Knuchel Premieres Hugo Pratt Trilogy Finale at Venice

Stefano Knuchel's documentary "Il desiderio di essere inutile – Hugo a Venezia" (A Longing to Be of No Use – Hugo in Venice) is set to premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 12. This special screening will be jointly presented by three prominent festival sections: La Biennale di Venezia, the International Critics’ Week, and the Giornate degli Autori. The film marks the concluding chapter of a two-decade-long documentary project dedicated to the life and work of the renowned Italian comic book artist Hugo Pratt, creator of the iconic character Corto Maltese. Knuchel began his exploration of Pratt's legacy with "Hugo Pratt: The Art of Flight" in 2001, followed by "Hugo Pratt: The Italian in the World" in 2015. This latest installment, "Hugo in Venice," focuses on Pratt's deep connection to the city of Venice, his birthplace and a recurring motif in his celebrated graphic novels. The documentary delves into Pratt's personal history, his artistic evolution, and the profound influence Venice had on his imaginative universe. The premiere at the Venice Film Festival, a prestigious international cinematic event, underscores the artistic significance of Knuchel's trilogy and its contribution to understanding Pratt's enduring cultural impact. The festival's selection of the film for a special out-of-competition screening highlights its unique artistic merit and its role in completing a substantial body of work. Knuchel's extensive engagement with Pratt's life over twenty years demonstrates a deep commitment to preserving and interpreting the artist's legacy for contemporary audiences. The film's focus on Venice aims to provide viewers with a nuanced perspective on how the city shaped Pratt's worldview and his narrative creations, particularly the adventures of Corto Maltese, whose voyages often mirrored Pratt's own wanderlust and intellectual curiosity. The joint presentation by La Biennale di Venezia, the International Critics’ Week, and the Giornate degli Autori signifies a broad recognition of the film's importance within the festival's diverse programming. This collaborative approach ensures a wide reach for the documentary, appealing to cinephiles, art enthusiasts, and fans of Hugo Pratt's work alike. The premiere serves as a culmination of Knuchel's ambitious project, offering a final, intimate portrait of an artist whose work continues to inspire and captivate.