German director Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front) masterfully weaves intertwining storylines to create an ever-shifting narrative. As soon as you think you have a handle on who has the power, the focus shifts and realigns your attention. This approach remains consistent until the end of the final reel.

Ralph Fiennes gives a powerful performance as Cardinal Lawrence. He is tasked with running the College of Cardinals as they gather in seclusion to choose the new Pope. He is still mourning the loss of the Supreme Pontiff but has to put his personal feelings aside. He is a modernist and puts his efforts into keeping a liberal Cardinal as the front-runner for the top spot.

Anyone thinking the Catholic Church and the Vatican in particular isn’t after all just a business will revel in the way the church is presented behind the scenes. The hierarchy follows the corporate structure and the grabs for power presented here would fit comfortably in a top-floor boardroom. The ever-changing power dynamic keeps you interested until the final extraordinary reveal.
Rob Hudson
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Cardinal Lawrence (Ralph Fiennes) is tasked with running this covert process after the unexpected death of the beloved Pope.

Once the Catholic Church’s most powerful leaders have gathered from around the world and are locked together in the Vatican halls, Lawrence finds himself at the centre of a conspiracy and discovers a secret that could shake the very foundation of The Church.

CONCLAVE is directed by Edward Berger and stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, and Isabella Rossellini.

CONCLAVE is coming to Australian cinemas on January 9, 2025.
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Set against the stark beauty of the harsh Australian outback and the vibrant images of Greece, the film tells a gut-wrenching but ultimately heart-lifting story of Izzy Davies (Jeanie Drynan), a farmer’s wife who loses her husband to cancer. Knowing that it’s time to hand over the farm to her son and his family, she refuses to consider their plan to move her into a local retirement home.

Following a lifelong desire to go to Greece, she heads off on her “last adventure” and meets Francesca, an Italian opera diva (Isabella Rossellini) who will change her life forever!

“Arrivederci” is an emotional and visually stunning story that deals with the universal themes of love, loss and the rediscovery of one’s life – at any age! Its worldwide appeal is grounded in the universality of its story, its themes, its exotic locales and the international appeal of its actors.

Isabella Rossellini is an international film and TV icon. Born cinema royalty, Rossellini’s lifetime achievement in film and TV projects show her range and talent as an actor. These include The Rabbit Hunters, Preludio, Vita & Virginia, Incredibles 2 and Joy. The documentary, The Rosselinis, recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2020.

Actor Jeanie Drynan is known worldwide for her unique and intimate performances in such films as cult-favorite Muriel’s Wedding, for which she was nominated for numerous acting awards.

Writer/Director Antony Bowman was born and educated in Sydney, Australia. He received his film training at the London Film School. His well-known projects which he both wrote and directed include Paperback Hero (starring Hugh Jackman) and Blackmail.

“Arrivederci” will be produced by Michael Robertson and Neal Kingston through their Thrills & Spills banner with production services in Greece by Argonauts Productions SA.

Rick Selvage will serve as Executive Producer of “Arrivederci”. Selvage is also an Executive Producer on Amazon Studios/Sony Pictures Television’s The Wheel of Time television series currently in production in Prague.

Pre-Production will commence in late Fall 2020 with production targeted to begin in Australia in the first quarter of 2021 and in Greece in the Spring of 2021.

When their paths cross, the magnetic Vita decides the beguiling, stubborn and gifted Virginia will be her next conquest, no matter the cost. The film is a celebration of their unconventional bond; a vivid exploration of gender, sexuality, creativity and passion.

Vita & Virginia is a love story, told in a contemporary style, about two women – two writers – who smashed through social barriers to find solace in their forbidden connection.

Vita & Virginia will be released in Australian cinemas December 5.
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