Oscar Isaac, and Jason Momoa, at the Venice Film Festival premiering “In the Hand of Dante”

The Venice Film Festival celebrated one of its most anticipated evenings with the out-of-competition screening of In the Hand of Dante, the latest and long-gestated film by acclaimed director and painter Julian Schnabel. Recognized this year with the Cartier Glory to the Filmmaker Award, Schnabel brought to the festival a project more than fifteen years in the making—an ambitious and daring exploration of mysticism, poetry, and the modern world.

The film unfolds across two dimensions: a stark black-and-white present, imagined as purgatory, and a vivid past in color, steeped in vitality and history. From Venice to Sicily, New York to Florence, the narrative follows a reimagined Dante navigating hell, purgatory, and heaven in a reflection on faith, art, and existence.

At the heart of the story is Oscar Isaac, whose dual performance as Dante and writer Nick Tosches has already drawn wide critical attention. Speaking on his connection to the role, Isaac explained: “I have always identified with the figure of the artist in exile. There is something in exile that perhaps is necessary for the artist. I’ve always had the feeling of being outside of things, of not really participating, and I think even the idea of becoming the poem [in my work] attracts me as a way of finally belonging.”

The ensemble cast further elevated the night’s expectations, featuring Gal Gadot, Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, John Malkovich, Al Pacino, and even Martin Scorsese in a brief but spiritual cameo. Jason Momoa’s lighthearted energy on the carpet once again drew attention, underscoring the camaraderie among the cast.

The premiere also welcomed international producers, cultural figures, and fashion icons. Among the standouts on the red carpet were actress Silvia Kal, wearing a golden gown by Kaiane Designs, actress Emanuela Fanelliand on a long sleeve and V neck dress, and TV host María Zabay, elegant in a sober yet flowing gown.

María and Silvia shared their anticipation before entering the screening. “I’m very curious to see how Schnabel has managed to bring Dante into the present day,” said María Zabay.

“What I know is that Schnabel spent more than fifteen years working on this project, and that already says a lot. I’m looking forward to see the performances of these outstanding cast”.

With Schnabel’s artistic vision, Isaac’s layered performance, and the magnetic presence of its all-star cast, In the Hand of Dante proved to be more than just a screening—it was one of the true cultural events of this year’s Venice Film Festival.