Culture 4 min read By Trevor Kendall
Anna Foglietta Brings Directorial Debut ‘A Common Story’ to Venice
Anna Foglietta, known for ‘Perfect Strangers,’ premieres her first film as director at the Venice Film Festival, a marriage drama co-starring Alba Rohrwacher.
Anna Foglietta, the Italian actor best known internationally for the hit comedy «Perfect Strangers,» has returned to the Venice Film Festival in a new role: director. Her feature debut, «A Common Story,» is screening on the Lido, and the film’s trailer has been released exclusively. Foglietta, who served as the festival’s official host in 2020, is now presenting a drama that explores the complexities of a marriage.
The film stars Alba Rohrwacher, a frequent collaborator of acclaimed directors such as Alice Rohrwacher and Luca Guadagnino. Foglietta, speaking about working with Rohrwacher, emphasized the emotional demands of the project. «You have to have the guts to show yourself exactly as you are,» she said, describing the vulnerability required from both actors and director in bringing the story to life. The film’s title suggests a focus on universal, everyday experiences, but the trailer hints at deeper tensions beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary relationship.
«A Common Story» marks a significant career transition for Foglietta, who has built a reputation in Italian cinema and television. Her previous work includes a range of roles from comedy to drama, but this project places her behind the camera for the first time. The Venice Film Festival has long been a platform for actors making their directorial debuts, and Foglietta’s entry adds to that tradition. The film’s presence at Venice signals international ambitions, with distribution deals likely to follow the festival buzz.
Rohrwacher’s involvement brings considerable prestige. Her performances in films like «The Wonders» and «My Brilliant Friend» have earned her a devoted following among art-house audiences. In «A Common Story,» she appears to take on a role that requires the emotional rawness Foglietta describes. The trailer, which has been released to coincide with the festival screening, offers glimpses of intimate scenes and fraught conversations, suggesting a character-driven drama rather than a plot-heavy narrative.
Foglietta’s comments about courage and self-exposure point to the film’s thematic core. The story reportedly centers on a couple navigating the challenges of their relationship, with Rohrwacher’s character facing decisions that test her sense of identity. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the tone of the trailer suggests a serious, contemplative work that aligns with Venice’s reputation for championing auteur cinema.
The festival appearance is a homecoming of sorts for Foglietta, who has been a familiar face on Italian screens for over a decade. Her turn as the emcee in 2020 placed her at the center of the festival’s pandemic-era edition, and now she returns with a personal project that could redefine her career. Early reactions from the Lido will be watched closely by industry observers, as a strong debut could open doors for Foglietta as a director in both Italian and international markets.
«A Common Story» joins a Venice lineup that includes several high-profile premieres this year. The festival has increasingly become a launchpad for films that go on to awards season success, and Foglietta’s debut will be hoping to follow that path. For now, the trailer offers a first look at a film that promises to be a thoughtful exploration of love, compromise, and the courage to be seen.
