Stefano Knuchel's final chapter in the Hugo Pratt trilogy, ‘Hugo in Venice,’ will debut at the Venice Film Festival on Sept. 12, 2026.
Stefano Knuchel's latest documentary, ‘Il desiderio di essere inutile – Hugo a Venezia’ (translated as “A Longing to Be of No Use – Hugo in Venice”), will premiere out of competition at the Venice Film Festival on September 12, 2026. This announcement was made by Variety, which reported that the film will be included in a special screening co-presented by La Biennale di Venezia, International Critics’ Week, and Giornate degli Autori.
This film marks the concluding chapter of Knuchel's 20-year exploration of Italian cartoonist Hugo Pratt, following previous projects ‘Hugo in Africa’ (2009) and ‘Hugo in Argentina’ (2021). The premiere coincides with the upcoming centennial of Pratt's birth in 2027. Knuchel's work on this trilogy has received significant recognition; for instance, Hugo in Africa won the Bisato d'Oro for best director in Venice's Horizons section.
‘Hugo in Venice’ utilizes previously unheard recordings of conversations between Pratt and his biographer, Dominique Petitfaux, which informs the film's title. Among the contributors featured in the documentary are Patrizia Zanotti, managing director of Cong SA, the rights management company for Pratt’s works, and Marco Steiner, a writer who collaborated with Pratt. This diverse participation underscores the rich legacy of Pratt and his lasting influence on comics as a medium.
Knuchel reflects on how the trilogy evolved over the years, highlighting a deep exploration of themes such as legacy and mortality. Each installment has served as a personal and artistic growth opportunity, with the latest film addressing profound questions about inherited cultural identity. Knuchel's commitment to this project has taken him across various locations, shaping his worldview and relationship with art.
The film delves into the interplay between Pratt’s life, his work in comics, and the city of Venice, which has become integral to his identity. Knuchel’s artistic vision emphasizes capturing the essence of Venice while acknowledging Pratt’s complex relationship with the city.
As a testament to Pratt's innovative contributions to the graphic novel genre, the documentary reframes his work not merely as comics but as a serious literary endeavor.
Stefano Knuchel’s ‘Hugo in Venice’ offers audiences a richly layered perspective on the legacy of Hugo Pratt while celebrating the culmination of a two-decade journey. As the documentary aims to inspire viewers, it highlights the enduring beauty and depth of cultural storytelling, affirming art's power to provide fresh viewpoints on the world.
For more details on the Venice Film Festival, check out our articles on the event's upcoming features: Tokyo Market TIFFCOM Teams Up with Frontières for Genre Slate and Hamaguchi Ryusuke’s ‘All of a Sudden’ and ‘Elephants in the Fog’ Lead Asia Pacific Screen Awards Nominations.
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