Brunello Cucinelli Debuts Movie About His Life Featuring A-list Celebrities

ROME Cinecitt, with its vast sets and iconic architecture, served as a spectacular backdrop for the premiere of the film Brunello, il visionario garbato (The Gracious Visionary) on Thursday night, held in the studios newly inaugurated T22 space, the largest in Cinecitts history.

The event attracted a remarkable lineup of guests, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, former Prime Minister Mario Draghi, and Francesco Milleri, CEO of EssilorLuxottica, producer of the brands eyewear. Hollywood and Italian actors also attended, such as Jessica Chastain, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Pine, dgar Ramrez, Kyle MacLachlan, and Jonathan Bailey.

On the red carpet, Jessica Chastain praised Cucinellis dedication: His lifes work reflects devotionto family, community, and craftsmanshipwhile building a global luxury brand without abandoning his values. His commitment to sustainability and nature is truly inspiring. American filmmaker Ava DuVernay highlighted a shared connection: His approach blends artistry, ethical values, and a deep sense of humanity, which resonates strongly with my own work.

The film, directed by Academy Award winner Giuseppe Tornatore and featuring a score by fellow Oscar winner Nicola Piovani, explores Cucinellis life, principles, and achievements. Tornatore described it as an experimental fusion, not a traditional documentary or commercial, combining Cucinellis recollections, archival material, interviews, and dramatized scenes depicting his family and influential figures.

Many actors were non-professionals, except Saul Nanni, who portrayed young Cucinelli and lived in Solomeo for months to prepare. Cucinelli emphasized the importance of telling his story while alive, sharing his own voice and philosophy throughout the film. He chose Tornatore for his admiration of Nuovo Cinema Paradiso and gave the director complete creative freedom over three years of production and post-production.

Tornatore included humorous and unconventional footage, such as Cucinelli in costume parties or town festivals, filmed on VHS decades ago. The director also carefully recreated childhood memories, like making kites from old umbrellas in the Umbrian hills, and poetic moments including vineyard scenes at night and a cashmere goat shearing in Inner Mongolia.

The film was produced by the Brunello Cucinelli company, in partnership with MasiFilm and Rai Cinema. Cucinelli noted that the film was well received by investors, serving as a global introduction to his brand and philosophy. Several scenes were shot at the company headquarters, highlighting the architectural beauty and team environment.

After the screening, Cucinelli hosted a dinner for 1,000 guests at Cinecitt, featuring his favorite paccheri prepared by Michelin-starred Da Vittorio and dcor inspired by the films themes, including 100,000 books. This ties into his ongoing Universal Library project in Solomeo, which he expects to complete within two years, a reflection of his belief that books indicate the path.

Author: Gavin Porter