Breaking Glass Pictures has officially announced the North American release of Familia, the highly acclaimed Italian psychological thriller from director Francesco Costabile.
Selected as Italy’s Official Submission for the Academy Awards® for Best International Feature Film, Familia arrives with massive critical momentum. The film originally had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival. And Francesco Gheghi won the prestigious Venice Horizons Award for Best Actor for his raw, volcanic performance.
A Haunting Portrait of Inherited Violence
Familiawas adapted from Luigi Celeste’s raw memoir Non Sarà Sempre Così (It Won’t Be Like This Forever). It delivers an emotionally charged look at a family perpetually haunted by domestic abuse, psychological scars, and the grueling path toward redemption.
The film follows Luigi “Gigi” Celeste. He finally thinks he has found a sense of purpose and tribal belonging within a dangerous, radical extremist group. However, his new reality is violently upended by the unexpected return of his abusive father after years behind bars. Forced to confront the literal architect of the violence that shaped his childhood, Gigi must choose whether to fall into the cyclical traps of the past or find a way to break the chain permanently.
Director Francesco Costabile deliberately leans into the cinematic language of suspense to elevate the social realism:
“Familia is a dark drama that blends psychological thriller, horror, and social commentary to tell a universal story about inherited violence and emotional imprisonment. Cinema allows us to explore the deepest human wounds, and here the goal was to confront how trauma is passed down, transformed, and never fully escaped.” — Director Francesco Costabile
Award-Winning Talent and Critical Acclaim
Anchoring the film’s intense emotional gravity is a powerhouse cast of Italian cinema royalty, including Barbara Ronchi (Kidnapped) and Francesco Di Leva (The Sea Beyond).
“Francesco Costabile has created an extraordinary work anchored by remarkable performances, and we’re honored to bring this acclaimed film to audiences across North America,” noted Richard Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures.
The good news is that you don’t have to wait long to see it for yourself. Look for Familia on your favorite VOD platforms starting tomorrow, July 7.
