Palio
World Premiere

Palio

World Documentary Competition
| U.K., Italy | 92 MINUTES
Documentary
In the heart of Tuscany, the dusty terra-cotta-tinged city of Siena is home to the world’s oldest horse race: the Palio. Twice a summer jockeys representing ten of the city’s historic districts maneuver through a frenzied course in the central Piazza del Campo, cheered and jeered in equal measure by passionate local supporters. The cutthroat spirit of the race speaks to its medieval roots, as riders are compelled to do whatever it takes to win both on the course and off; to succeed in the Palio taking bribes and making deals is just as essential as being a good rider. A master of the game’s complex strategies, renowned jockey Gigi Bruschelli needs just two more victories to become the winningest rider in the Palio’s storied history. But his former trainee Giovanni Atzeni, a young upstart keen to enter the pantheon of the race’s legends, stands in the way of his throne. With breathtaking cinematography, director Cosima Spender’s enthralling documentary captures the intensity of the event as well as the beauty of Siena. All together creating a mesmerizing portrait of an age-old tradition and the larger-than-life personalities who keep the spirit of the race alive each year.

—Ian Hollander

This feature is preceded by a short film from Marvel Entertainment and ESPN Films' 1 of 1: Origins series, Danica Patrick: Star race car driver Danica Patrick retells the moment she discovered her super power as a 10 year-old racing go-carts. It was on a little track in rural Beloit, Wisconsin where she discovered that she would do anything to win, and found the internal drive and focus to accomplish greatness.

Cast & Credits
Directed by
Cosima Spender
London-based director Cosima Spender graduated with a degree in anthropology and art history from the University of London. Since graduating from the National Film and Television School in 2001, she has directed documentaries for BBC and directed commercial work in the music world.
Director
Cosima Spender
Screenwriter
John Hunt, Cosima Spender
Producer
James Gay-Rees, John Hunt
Editor
Valerio Bonelli
Cinematographer
Stuart Bentley
Executive Producer
Francesco Melzi D'Eril
Composer
Alex Heffes
Cast
Gigi Bruschelli, Giovanni Atzeni, Silvano Vigni, Andrea de Cortes, Renato Romei

Contacts
US Sales Contact
Abby Davis
Preferred Content
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Phone: 323 782 9193
abby@preferredcontent.net
International Sales Contact
Mike Runagall
Altitude Film Sales
London, W1F 7PX
Phone: +44 207 478 7612
mikerunagall@altitudefilmsales.com
Press Contact
Lina Plath
Frank PR
New York, NY 10038
Phone: 646 861 0843
lina@frankpublicity.com
Print Source
Robin Andrews
Altitude Film Sales
London, W1F 7PX
Phone: +44 207 478 7612
robinandrews@altitudefilmsales.com
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
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The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

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