The 22nd Monte-Carlo Film Festival de La Comédie officially opened in the Salle Camille Blanc of the Grimaldi Forum. Numerous French, Italian, English, and even Spanish journalists attended the press conference on Wednesday afternoon, November 12th, which was also attended by the public jury, who had come to see the first film in competition.

Ezio Greggio, who conceived the Festival with the late Maestro Mario Monicelli and has always directed it, said: “We have welcomed so many celebrities to the Monte Carlo Film Festival, and we will do so again for this twenty-second edition.

We are honored to have a jury presided by a woman and a great actress like Claudia Gerini.”

Claudia Gerini, President of the Jury: "This festival is good for everyone, and now more than ever we need positive messages. Congratulations to Ezio Greggio for what he's doing with his Festival through comedy."

Franco Nero is the Honorary President of the Festival Jury. The renowned actor, with over 250 films to his credit, has played characters from over 30 nationalities, and has worked in film almost exclusively abroad: "It's a pleasure to be here and to have accepted the invitation to serve on the jury."

He recounts his debut in The Bible, directed by John Houston: “I was 22 and working as a photographer’s assistant. Another photographer from De Laurentiis’ production noticed me. I met John Houston in a hotel. There were lots of people there, mostly women, and he asked me to strip down to my underwear to see my physique. He chose me for the role of Abel and taught me English by playing recordings of Shakespeare recited by Laurence Olivier and other greats. I owe him a lot.” And when Ezio Greggio asks him what cinema means to him, he replies: “Cinema will continue to exist as long as people continue to dream.

And then, cinema is freedom because in countries where there is no freedom, there is no cinema.”

Franco Nero will have his star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.

A great recognition that is given to him by American cinema.

Spanish actress Teresa Riott, a member of the jury, said: "I'm proud to be with such great people. For me, comedy is an important genre; it's about people, it's about life, and it needs to be celebrated even more. All the more reason to be here at the Comedy Film Festival."

Daniel McVicar, American director and producer, member of the jury and President of the selection of short films in competition: “Beautiful has given me so much. Many people still recognize me today, even if some people sometimes call me Ridge… So, I answer: no, I'm the most handsome… I've made 25 films, I've also collaborated with Claudia Gerini. Italy is in my heart. I'm shooting a film in Rome, an international production. Comedy is a great art and it's the most difficult genre to make. I'm happy to be here and discover the films and

selected short films.”

The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 7:00 PM, hosted by Ezio Greggio, who will welcome many celebrities on stage: actress Madalina Ghenea; producer, director, and actor Gabriele Mainetti; screenwriter, director, and author Paolo Genovese, who will receive the MCFF Special Award for the huge success with audiences and critics of his latest film, "Follemente"; and Giovanni Veronesi.

screenwriter, director, and radio host; Franco Nero will also receive the MCFF "Mito del Cinema - Legend Award" for lifetime achievement. There will also be plenty of laughter with three great protagonists of Italian comedy: Lino Banfi, who will receive the prestigious MCFF Legend Award; Massimo Boldi, actor, comedian, and film producer; and Vincenzo Salemme, actor, comedian, playwright, director, and screenwriter. And again, Gerry Scotti, host of quiz shows and popular TV shows.

success, who will receive the MCFF Exploit Award, a special recognition for his significant contribution to Italian television entertainment. Great anticipation will also be shown for Gipsy's Kings Way by Pablo Reyes, a long-time founding member of the original band, who will bring the energy and passion of the flamenco tradition to the stage, reinterpreting the band's hits. This is a significant moment for Pablo Reyes, who will receive a lifetime achievement award for the value and importance of his long musical career and his legacy in keeping the musical spirit of the Gipsy Kings alive.

This year's seven films in COMPETITION. Admission is free, subject to availability. Screenings will be held in the Salle Camille Blanc at the Grimaldi Forum.

12/11 4:00 PM

HOMO SAPIENS? (98', Argentina)

Directed by Mariano Cohn and Gastón Duprat

With Guillermo Francella, Aurora Quattrocchi

12/11 8:00 PM

COMMANDER FRITZ (106', Germany/Cuba)

Directed by Pavel Giroud

With Yany Prado, Dennis Mojen, Alexis Valdés

13/11 11:00

LEAVE A DAY (98', France)

Directed by Amélie Bonnin

With Juliette Armanet, Bastien Bouillon, François Rollin

November 13, 3:00 PM

THE LAST VIKING (116', Denmark)

Directed by Anders Thomas Jensen

With Mads Mikkelsen

14/11 11:00

LA PETITE CUISINE DE MEHDI (104', France/Algeria)

Directed by Amine Adjina

With Younès Boucif, Clara Bretheau, Hiam Abbass

November 14, 3:00 PM

THE DINNER (106', Spain)

Directed by Manuel Gómez Pereira

With Alberto San Juan, Mario Casas, Asier Etxeandia

November 14, 8:00 PM

HOW YOU MOVE, YOU MAKE WRONG (97', Italy)

Directed by Gianni Di Gregorio

With Gianni Di Gregorio, Iaia Forte, Greta Scarano

SHORT FILMS IN COMPETITION:

On November 13th starting at 8:00 PM

TÊTES D'ENTERREMENT (15'29', Belgium)

Directed by Nicolas Galoux

AQUELE ABRAÇO (18'06', Portugal')

Directed by Michael Joaquim Matias

SATURN IN VENUS (5', Georgia)

Directed by Alla Eliseeva

ANDROMEDA (15', Russia)

Directed by Anna Melykian

The event, in collaboration with EFG Bank (Monaco), has always taken place under

the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and the Italian Embassy. As in the

In years past, Radio Monte Carlo has been the official radio station of the Festival.