American Director Julie Taymor’s The Tempest has been chosen as the closing night film (Out of Competition) for the 67th Venice International Film Festival. The world premiere screening of The Tempest arrives on the cusp of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s spectacular fantasy. Through Taymor’s trademark visual flair and creative direction, the film presents even the most devoted Shakespeare fans an opportunity to experience one of the Bard’s most beloved works in a unique and exhilarating new production.

 

In Taymor’s The Tempest, the director brings an original dynamic to the story by changing the gender of the sorcerer Prospero into the sorceress – Prospera – portrayed by Oscar winner Helen Mirren.  Prospera’s journey spirals through vengeance to forgiveness as she reigns over a magical island, cares for her young daughter, Miranda, and unleashes her powers against shipwrecked enemies in this exciting, masterly mix of romance, treachery and the supernatural.

 

The screenplay for The Tempest was written by Julie Taymor with original music by Oscar-winning composer, and Taymor’s long-time collaborator, Elliot Goldenthal.  Costumes were designed by three-time Oscar winner Sandy Powell. The film was edited by Oscar winner Françoise Bonnot.

 

The world premiere screening of The Tempest will be presented in the Sala Grande (Palazzo del Cinema) on Saturday, September 11, following the awards ceremony. The 67th Venice International Film Festival will be held September 1 through 11, 2010, directed by Marco Mueller and organized by La Biennale di Venezia, chaired by Paolo Baratta.

 

Distributed by Touchstone Pictures and produced by Julie Taymor, Lynn Hendee, Robert Chartoff, Jason K. Lau and Julia Taylor-Stanley, the film is set for a U.S. release in December 2010. Icon Entertainment International (IEI) is handling sales for international territories.