Press Releases

NEW YORK (September 2, 2020) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all rights worldwide, excluding Italy, to Luca Guadagnino’s SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS, a documentary on the life of fashion icon Salvatore Ferragamo. Written by Dana Thomas with narration by Michael Stuhlbarg, the documentary will make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, where it is screening out of competition, on September 6, 2020. It is produced by Francesco Melzi d’Eril and Gabriele Moratti of MeMo Films, and executive produced by Stella Savino.  

The documentary tracks Salvatore Ferragamo’s fascinating personal, artistic and business story, from his childhood in Bonito, where he made his first pair of shoes, to his journey to America to seek his fortune, from his experiences in Hollywood to his return to Italy, from the verge of bankruptcy to resurgence in his Florence factory and rise to definitive acclaim. Character, instinct, genius, curiosity and extraordinary intuition: SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS shows the mystery and magnetism of a complex man, an icon of Italian and international luxury fashion who never lost sight of the importance of family.  

Guadagnino presents never-before-seen images and stories told by members of the Ferragamo family, director Martin Scorsese, costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis, shoe designers Manolo Blahnik and Christian Louboutin, and many historians, teachers, designers, journalists, and fashion and film critics.  

SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS marks another collaboration between Sony Pictures Classics and Guadagnino, who previously worked together on CALL ME BY YOUR NAME. Guadagnino also executive produced THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS, which Sony Pictures Classics is releasing this December. 

“It is with true joy that I come home to SPC with my new feature documentary,” said Guadagnino. “The life and legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo speaks for how genius and discipline can conquer the world of imagination and desire. It will be exciting to show the world this experience thanks to the care and wisdom of Michael, Tom, Dylan, and Carmelo.” 

“Luca Guadagnino is back!” added Sony Pictures Classics. “SALVATORE: SHOEMAKER OF DREAMS is that rare rich documentary about the rise of the fashion icon that goes to the nature of creativity in the twentieth century. Bravo to Luca and his team. We are excited to be bringing the film to audiences everywhere.” 

The deal was negotiated by eOne’s Sierra/Affinity on behalf of the filmmakers.  

ABOUT SONY PICTURES CLASSICS    
Michael Barker and Tom Bernard serve as co-presidents of Sony Pictures Classics—an autonomous division of Sony Pictures Entertainment they founded with Marcie Bloom in January 1992—which distributes, produces, and acquires independent films from around the world. Barker and Bernard have released prestigious films that have won 39 Academy Awards® (35 of those at Sony Pictures Classics) and have garnered 175 Academy Award® nominations (149 at Sony Pictures Classics) including Best Picture nominations for CALL ME BY YOUR NAME, WHIPLASH, AMOUR, MIDNIGHT IN PARIS, AN EDUCATION, CAPOTE, HOWARDS END, AND CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON. 

ABOUT SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT    
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, 3000 Pictures, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit  http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.