Oscar winner Giuseppe Tornatore’s documentary about fashion mogul Brunello Cucinelli, “Brunello: The Gracious Visionary,” has released its official trailer ahead of its US release.
The film chronicles the rise of the King of Cashmere, combining interviews and archival footage with re-enactments of Cucinelli’s life. Born the son of a farmer in Umbria, Italy, Cucinelli worked his way through the worlds of fashion and business, starting a billion-dollar luxury clothing brand based on high-quality cashmere sweaters. Now beloved by celebrities and tech CEOs, Brunello Cucinelli has come to represent something bigger: the philosophy of humanistic capitalism. Cucinelli embodied this by having its headquarters in Solomeo, Italy, and employing many of the town’s residents.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “Blending documentary and fiction, ‘Brunello: The Elegant Seer’ traces the locations and key moments of Brunello Cucinelli’s existential journey, from his childhood in the countryside to the village of Solomeo, which he transformed into a symbol of humanistic capitalism.” “Testimonies, archival footage, and personal memories reveal a man who, from humble beginnings, built a world-renowned company while remaining true to the values of dignity, beauty, and social justice. This story ends with the realization that a dream, courageously pursued, can become a true force in guiding a person’s destiny.”
In the reenactment of the documentary, Cucinelli is played by Love & Gelato star Saul Nanni, who also co-stars Francesco Cannevale, Francesco Ferroni, Emma Fatone and Beatriz Carlani. Cucinelli co-produced the doc with Massimiliano di Lodovico, and BlueFox Entertainment will release the film in the U.S. and Canada on July 24.
Earlier this year, Variety traveled to Solomeo to meet Mr. Cucinelli and visit the company’s headquarters, where employees are treated like family and overtime is prohibited. Much of his work ethic comes from his father’s experience working in a factory after the family moved to Perugia.
“He never complained about his pay or the fact that the factory was cold. What he complained about was that he was being disrespected,” Cucinelli said. “That really killed me…Humans need dignity more than bread.”
Watch the trailer below.
