U.S. Premiere

A harsh and tender reflection on fatherhood, a melancholic invitation to live.

ABOUT THE FILM

“Cinque Secondi” begins mysteriously, gradually revealing the story of Adriano (Valerio Mastandrea), a middle-aged man living in solitude in a Tuscan villa, trying to escape his painful past. Minute by minute, with impeccable precision and striking detail, it becomes clear that Adriano’s solitude is not what it seems. He is, in fact, a highly successful lawyer and a loving, fun, and devoted father. So what reality is he struggling to confront?

With his 17th film, and the 13th written in collaboration with his best friend and IFF 2025 guest Francesco Bruni, Paolo Virzì pushes his unique ability to blend comedy and drama to the extreme, posing questions on what it really means to be a father, and what real courage in love can look like.

DIRECTOR'S BIO:

Paolo Virzì is an Italian screenwriter, director, and producer. His early years showcased his multifaceted talent and dedication to the arts. As a teenager, he was already immersing himself in the world of theater, writing, directing, and acting in plays for local drama companies. His artistic journey was further shaped by his partnership with Francesco Bruni (guest of IFF 2025), a fellow schoolmate who would later become a key co-screenwriter in so much of his filmmaking career. Virzì made his directorial debut in 1994 with “La bella vita,” and has directed 17 movies since then, creating a specific comedy style that has made him one of the most renowned Italian directors, and has gained him many of the most important Italian cinema awards.