Astrologers fulfill wishes in docudrama

With the increasing number of alternative spiritual documentaries this year, including Lana Wilson's stirring psychic film Look Into My Eyes, it's only fitting that an early festival favorite also tackles the subject of mysticism.

The documentary film “Wishing On A Star”, which premieres in Venice and will also be shown at TIFF, is about an Italian astrologer who encourages people to be “reborn”. The docudrama is directed by Peter Kerekes, who co-wrote the film with Erica Barbiani.

The official synopsis reads: “Luciana, a Neapolitan astrologer, has a method for making her clients' wishes come true. All they have to do is take a trip to a specific destination on their birthday to be reborn under a new sky. Whether it's Taipei, Beirut, or a nearby village, during these birthday trips the protagonists will undergo unexpected transformations that will help them discover what they really want.”

The film is planned as a mixture of documentary and narrative elements. Kerekes already won the Orizzonti Award for best screenplay for “107 Mothers” in 2021.

“Wishing On A Star” is produced by Kerekes, Barbiani, Lucia Candelpergher, Vit Schmarc, Ralph Wieser, Vanja Jambrovic and Stefano Centini.

Thom Powers, documentary programmer at TIFF, told IndieWire's Anne Thompson that the 2024 lineup, which includes “Wishing On A Star,” is indicative of current culture.

“Documentaries often reflect the times we live in,” Powers said. “The themes of the films continue to make headlines as the festival approaches.”

Other documentary screenings at TIFF include “Men of War,” about a former U.S. Green Beret who later became a mercenary and tried to overthrow the government of Venezuela, “The Last of the Sea Women,” about South Korean fisherwomen, and “Mistress Dispeller,” about a mediator who intervenes in marriages involving infidelity.

Marah Strauch's “Space Cowboy” is also a highly anticipated film. It focuses on skydiver and cinematographer Joe Jennings, whose work has already been seen in James Bond films. According to programmer Powers, “Space Cowboy” is “one of those films that you watch with white knuckles and sweaty palms because the footage is so extraordinary. […] It shows people doing all kinds of aerial tricks, which is pretty breathtaking.”

Wishing On A Star is available for distribution, with Films Boutique handling international sales. Watch the trailer below.