Stefano Knuchel's 'Hugo in Venice' Premieres, Concluding Hugo Pratt Trilogy
ByShonda Rhimes
Stefano Knuchel's latest cinematic endeavor, "A Longing to Be of No Use – Hugo in Venice," is slated for a special out-of-competition debut at the Venice Film Festival on September 12. This presentation is a collaborative effort by La Biennale di Venezia, the International Critics' Week, and Giornate degli Autori. The film serves as the concluding piece of Knuchel's trilogy dedicated to the revered Italian cartoonist Hugo Pratt, building upon the foundations of "Hugo in Africa" (2009) and "Hugo in Argentina" (2021). Its release is particularly poignant as it precedes Pratt's birth centennial in 2027.
Knuchel's prior works on Pratt have garnered significant recognition, with "Hugo in Africa" receiving the Bisato d'Oro for best director at the Venice Horizons section in 2009, and "Hugo in Argentina" featured in Venice Days in 2021. "Hugo in Venice," a production of Fiumi Film in collaboration with Swiss public broadcaster RSI, delves into the artist's life through previously unreleased audio recordings of discussions between Pratt and his biographer, Dominique Petitfaux. The film's title, derived from Petitfaux's interview collection, hints at its philosophical depth. Additionally, the documentary features contributions from key individuals intimately connected to Pratt's work, including Patrizia Zanotti, managing director of Cong SA, and writer Marco Steiner, who collaborated with Pratt during his later years and has continued the Corto Maltese narrative.
In an interview, Knuchel discussed the profound impact of working on the Pratt trilogy for two decades. He reflected on how each film served as a journey of overcoming challenges: from exploring Pratt's early life in Ethiopia with a fascist father and forging an ethical path, to his artistic evolution in Argentina, and finally, confronting mortality and legacy in the latest installment. Knuchel also highlighted Pratt's pioneering role in inventing the graphic novel, revolutionizing the perception of comics as a literary art form. He emphasized Pratt's unique ability to infuse cinematic timing into his comics, making his visual storytelling distinct and impactful. The film intricately weaves the city of Venice into Pratt's psychological landscape, portraying it as a mirage that emerges from and recedes into the lagoon, symbolizing life's transient nature. Knuchel's collaboration with anthropologists, rather than a traditional film crew, allowed for an authentic depiction of Venice, utilizing restored archival footage and showcasing rarely seen aspects of the city. He views the creative constraints faced during production as ultimately beneficial, leading to more thoughtful and innovative filmmaking.
Ultimately, Knuchel hopes that his extensive project conveys a simple yet powerful message: the world is an extraordinary place, and its beauty lies in how one chooses to perceive it. His journey with Pratt's work has broadened his own worldview, taking him to diverse locations and connecting him with a global community of admirers. Echoing Pratt's own philosophy, Knuchel believes in finding profound narratives within everyday observations and encourages audiences to embrace a positive outlook on life, leaving them feeling uplifted and inspired.
About the author
Shonda Rhimes
Prolific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.
