Genre: Comedic Drama

Language: Italian with English Subtitles

Director: Vincenzo Terracciano

Cast: Sergio Castellitto, Martina Gedeck, Paolo Briguglia

Released: 2009

Duration: 101 Minutes

Rating: M contains sex scenes, offensive language & drug use

Distribution: Palace Films

2009 Venice Film festival: Official selection - Horizons

Vincenzo Terracciano's moving drama 'Bets & Wedding Dresses' stars Sergio Castellitto ('The Wedding Director') in the role of Franco Campanella, a former post office worker married to German-born Josephine (Martina Gedeck, 'The Baader Meinhof Complex'). More than anything else Franco is a gambler and he frequents the dingiest corners of Naples to bet on horses and play poker, roulette and "zecchinetta".

Despite the trouble his debts have caused over the years and the disapproval of his family, he has managed to maintain a precarious balance… until now. For the Campanella family, and in particular for Josephine, their daughter Luisa's wedding has to be perfect as it is the day of their social redemption. But Franco, desperate to make his daughter's dreams come true, can see only one path, certain that fate - this time - will be on his side.

Terracciano's sincere direction of Castellitto, who is widely regarded as one of Italy's best actors, achieves a superbly restrained and heart-felt performance.