Global Stars Descend on Shanghai: Yeoh & Leung Sparkle, Cucinelli's Docu-Film Captivates

Oscar-winning director Giuseppe Tornatore's docudrama, "Brunello: The Gracious Visionary," detailing the life of fashion designer Brunello Cucinelli, known as Italy’s “King of Cashmere,” is embarking on its world tour following premieres at Rome’s Cinecittà Studios and Lincoln Center in New York. The film is set to be featured at the upcoming Shanghai International Film Festival, followed by theatrical releases in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Ireland on July 24, with more international territories to follow.

The elegant docudrama seamlessly blends interviews, archival footage, and reenacted stories, tracing Cucinelli's remarkable journey from a farmer's son to the creative director and executive chairman of a global luxury lifestyle brand with a market capitalization exceeding $7.8 billion. It highlights his profound passion for Italian craftsmanship and his commitment to "humanistic capitalism," a philosophy where every garment is meticulously made in Italy, largely within his native region. Cucinelli, a figure admired by celebrities and tech CEOs alike, ensures fair wages for his factory workers and fosters a family-like environment. He has also been instrumental in the complete renovation of Solomeo, the Italian village housing his headquarters. Saul Nanni stars as a younger Cucinelli in the film, which was produced by Brunello Cucinelli S.p.A. and MasiFilm in collaboration with RAI Cinema, featuring a score by Oscar winner Nicola Piovani.

Cucinelli recently received the Golden Globes Prize for Documentary on Tornatore's behalf for "Gracious Visionary" at Italy’s Taormina Film Festival. During an interview there, he expressed his thoughts on bringing the docufilm, and his philosophy of humanistic capitalism, to China. Cucinelli acknowledged the crucial role of cashmere sourced from Mongolia in his business and highlighted his long-standing study of Chinese culture, drawing parallels with historical figures like Fra Giovanni da Pian del Carpine. He first engaged in business with China in 1989, recognizing their astute business acumen. Cucinelli noted that the Shanghai Film Festival's invitation praised the film's dedication to beauty and cultural heritage, suggesting its themes of cultural harmony, gracious economic growth, and the pursuit of individual freedom for young people will resonate with the Chinese mindset. He also believes the film serves as a marketing tool, appealing to younger generations who prioritize ethical production and environmental impact, echoing St. Francis's view of creation. Cucinelli emphasized that his brand represents artisanal Italian manufacturing and a distinctive approach to labor relations, predicting a "new world order" and deeming this "China’s century."

Concurrently, the 28th Shanghai International Film Festival officially launched at the city’s Grand Theatre, featuring a star-studded red carpet and an opening ceremony that emphasized cinema's human core amidst geopolitical tensions. Tony Leung Chiu-wai, serving as jury president of the Golden Goblet competition, graced the red carpet with his wife Carina Lau and fellow jurors. He articulated his enduring fascination with cinema and the experience of living diverse lives through different characters.

A poignant moment of the ceremony was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Lisa Lu, the