OFFICIAL SELECTION - 2025 ROME FILM FEST
Granting to opera what The September Issue gave to fashion, Anissa Bonnefont’s atmospheric new documentary follows 900 artists, staff and technicians at Milan’s legendary Teatro alla Scala over four months as they race to stage a new production of Verdi's The Force of Destiny for the theatre’s traditional 7 December Opening Night gala.
Milan - and Italy - holds its breath for what is one of the international opera calendar's most prestigious events. The stakes are high: the performance will draw political and cultural elites and be broadcast live to cinemas worldwide, including Australia.
Inside La Scala's creative hive, stage director Leo Muscato readies his vision with the set and costume design teams - as the chorus and orchestra rehearse under maestro Riccardo Chailly, and theatre staff prepare the 250-year-old venue. There's added anticipation with the arrival of the star international cast – among them Anna Netrebko, Brian Jagde, and Ludovic Tézier - set to fill the theatre's hallowed halls with their powerful voices. But with the clock ticking, the tension backstage builds… Will they be ready when the curtain rises?
Filmed with unprecedented access, THE FORCE OF DESTINY is more than a behind‑the‑scenes chronicle - it's a vibrant portrait of the world’s most famous opera house. Beautifully capturing the remarkable endeavour of staging a major new production, the film reveals the passion, apprehension and brilliance of these artists, and celebrates the grandeur and preciousness of the artform. For both newcomers and devoted opera lovers, it’s an invitation to witness the magic of creation on the big screen.