The Holy Boy (film)
| The Holy Boy | |
|---|---|
Italian theatrical release poster | |
| Italian | La valle dei sorrisi |
| Directed by | Paolo Strippoli |
| Written by |
|
| Produced by |
|
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Cristiano Di Nicola |
| Edited by | Federico Palmerini |
| Music by |
|
Production companies |
|
| Distributed by | Vision Distribution |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 122 minutes |
| Countries |
|
| Language | Italian |
The Holy Boy (Italian: La valle dei sorrisi, lit. 'The valley of smiles') is a 2025 horror film co-written and directed by Paolo Strippoli. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 30 August 2025. It received a theatrical release in Italy on 17 September 2025.
Cast
- Michele Riondino as Sergio Rossetti
- Giulio Feltri as Matteo Corbin
- Paolo Pierobon as Mauro Corbin
- Romana Maggiora Vergano as Michela
- Sergio Romano as Pichler
- Anna Bellato as Anna
- Sandra Toffolatti as Elisabetta Gengo
- Gabriele Benedetti as Franco
- Diego Nardini as Lorenzo
- Roberto Citran as Father Attilio
Production
The film was shot in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, specifically in Sappada.[1]
Release
Fandango Sales acquired the international sales rights to the film in July 2025.[2] The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival on 30 August 2025.[3] It was also screened at the BFI London Film Festival.[4] It received a theatrical release in Italy on 17 September 2025.[5][6] Shudder acquired rights for North America, UK and Ireland.[7]
References
- ^ Gallo, Francesco (30 August 2025). "Strippoli, 'il mio horror tra felicità e mistero'". Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (in Italian). Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Barraclough, Leo (22 July 2025). "Venice-Bound Elevated Horror Film 'The Holy Boy' Acquired by Fandango Sales as International Trailer Debuts (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Aricò, Giacomo (22 July 2025). "Festival di Venezia 2025, il programma con tutti i film e gli ospiti: oggi è il giorno di Gus Van Sant". Vogue Italia (in Italian). Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (3 September 2025). "BFI London Film Festival: Chloé Zhao's 'Hamnet' & Kate Moss Biopic 'Moss & Feud' Among Headline Titles — Full List". Deadline. Retrieved 3 September 2025.
- ^ Sernagiotto, Camilla (30 August 2025). "La valle dei sorrisi, tutto sul film di Paolo Strippoli a Venezia". Sky TG24 (in Italian). Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Armocida, Pedro (31 August 2025). "Fuori concorso. "La valle dei sorrisi"". Il Giornale (in Italian). Retrieved 2 September 2025.
- ^ Grobar, Matt (30 September 2025). "Paolo Strippoli's Horror Fable 'The Holy Boy' Acquired By Shudder Following Award-Winning North American Launch At Fantastic Fest". Deadline. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
External links
- The Holy Boy at IMDb