With the rise of alternative spiritual documentaries this year, including Lana Wilson’s buzzy “Look Into My Eyes” about psychics, it’s only fitting that an early festival favorite also centers on mysticism.
Documentary “Wishing On A Star,” which will premiere at Venice and also screen at TIFF, follows an Italian astrologer who encourages people to be “reborn.” The docu-drama is directed by Peter Kerekes, who co-wrote the film with Erica Barbiani.
The official synopsis reads: “Luciana, a Neapolitan astrologer, has a method to make her clients’ wishes come true. All they need to do is take a trip on their birthday to a precise destination to be reborn under a new sky. Whether it’s Taipei, Beirut, or a nearby village, during these birthday journeys, the protagonists will go through unexpected transformations to help them discover what they truly desire.”
The feature is billed as a blend of documentary with storytelling elements. Kerekes previously won the Best Screenplay Orizzonti Award in 2021 for “107 Mothers.”
“Wishing On A Star” is produced by Kerekes, Barbiani, Lucia Candelpergher, Vit Schmarc, Ralph Wieser, Vanja Jambrovic, and Stefano Centini.
TIFF documentary programmer Thom Powers told IndieWire’s Anne Thompson that the 2024 lineup, which includes “Wishing On A Star,” is indicative of the current culture.
“Documentaries often reflect the times we live in,” Powers said. “The subjects of the films are still making headlines even as we’re approaching the festival.”
Additional TIFF documentary screenings include “Men of War” about a former U.S. Green Beret who later became a mercenary and tried to overthrow the government of Venezuela; “The Last of the Sea Women” about South Korean fisherwomen; and “Mistress Dispeller” about a mediator who intervenes in marriages where an infidelity is taking place.
“Space Cowboy” directed by Marah Strauch is also a highly-anticipated release, centering on skydiving cinematographer Joe Jennings whose work has appeared in James Bond films. According to programmer Powers, “Space Cowboy” is “one of those films you watch with white knuckles and sweaty palms because the footage is so extraordinary […] it’s of people doing all kinds of aerial tricks, which is quite breathtaking.”
“Wishing On A Star” is available for distribution with Films Boutique handling international sales. Check out the trailer below.
