"Love, Venezia” Makes Its World Premiere this Sunday at Cinema Diverse

"Love, Venezia" will be the closing film at Cinema Diverse, the 17th annual Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival taking place at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. The film about a man who travels to Venice, Italy to get over a breakup and experiences an awakening of his spirit, makes its world premiere at 7 p.m. on Sept 29.

Steve Balderson, the film’s director, says Palm Springs was the perfect place to premiere the movie, especially since several of the film’s investors reside in the city. He saw the festival as an opportunity to give back to those who played a role in bringing the film to life and expressed deep gratitude for the support he has received from the local community, noting, “I want these people and this community to see (the film) before anybody else.”

"Love, Venezia" is based on Balderson’s real-life experiences and explores two foundational themes: transcending judgment and discovering the capacity to find love in everyone we meet. “These messages are critical, especially in today’s climate where division, blame, and condemnation are rampant, and it’s become a cultural norm to detach feelings from sexual encounters—a misguided notion that devalues the profound connections that define our humanity,” Balderson explains.

The film’s setting in Venice, Italy, is an integral part of the story. With its unique atmosphere, the city becomes a metaphor for endurance—like love, Venice endures despite challenges. Balderson chose to shoot Love Venezia in the very locations where the real-life events occurred, ensuring that the character of Michael, based on himself, walked the same alleyways and past the same buildings.

Cinema Diverse, a festival celebrated for its dedication to showcasing LGBTQ storytelling, perfectly aligns with the themes of "Love, Venezia". Balderson emphasizes that the film is an intimate love story that is free from the darker tropes often found in LGBTQ narratives. “There aren’t many (if any) gay love stories where the messages and themes are about purely love,” he continues. “There is no despair, trauma, violence, drugs, nor abuse in Love, Venezia – only love.” This focus on pure, unadulterated romance is a refreshing take, and Balderson hopes that the film leaves viewers feeling uplifted and embraced, likening the experience to receiving “a really big hug.” This emphasis on creating a positive, loving atmosphere speaks to the director’s intent for "Love, Venezia" to not only entertain but also to provide a sense of comfort and connection, particularly within the LGBTQ community.

Finally, Palm Springs itself adds a layer of significance to the premiere. Known for its rich LGBTQ history and culture, the city serves as an epicenter for queer storytelling in the U.S. “This movie is a sexy and gay– and there isn’t a better place in our country to unveil it,” Balderson reflects. The blend of personal ties, cultural significance, and the festival’s focus on uplifting LGBTQ voices made Cinema Diverse the ideal platform to share the magic of "Love, Venezia" with the world.

For tickets, visit https://psculturalcenter.org/filmfest/movie/love-venezia