Ferzan Ozpetek, who’s graced today the Giffoni Experience, has revealed he’s been working on the film adaptation of his debut novel “Istanbul Red”, which has been available in bookshops for almost a year. It will be called Istanbul Red, but will just draw on the book’s setting – the shooting will take place in the famous Turkish city – and main character, as I don’t like repeating myself. I’ve recently started my second novel: I’ve drafted the first 20 pages but I think they’re rubbish. Despite I’m writing a second novel, I don’t consider myself a writer.

The Turkish-born naturalized Italian filmmaker has often approached diversity in his works, such as in ‘His Secret Life’ (2001). “The film has been a kind of break with the past. I remember the distributors pondering whether or not to postpone the release, as they feared only gay people would watch it. But lots of families have loved it, instead. I believe that It’s marked a cultural change”.

“Venice scares me, as its audience is both passionate and critical. Many people just go there with the purpose of attacking Italian cinema” – he said referring to the famous Film Festival whose next edition is set to host three Italian films in competition.  “I’ve learnt that you have to be low-profile, unlike me, who first arrived in the lagoon on a boat with Isabella Ferrari”.

As for the actors he would like to work with: “Definitely Sabrina Ferilli, who I haven’t been able to cross with on the set yet, and Carlo Verdone, who I think  is undeservedly underestimated”.