Wenders readies Sicilian "Palermo Story"

By Eric J. Lyman

MILAN (Hollywood Reporter) - German director Wim Wenders said Monday he is beginning work on "Palermo Story," a drama based on a Sicilian love affair between a middle-aged German man and a younger local girl.

Wenders, the 61-year-old Oscar nominee for his 2000 documentary "Buena Vista Social Club," announced the plans for the film in Palermo, his first visit to the city in nearly 40 years. Although the story is only partially written and the cast not yet selected, he plans to start shooting in September or October.

Funded partially with cash from the Sicilian Regional Film Commission and the regional government and tourist boards, Wenders said that the story would strongly reflect its location.

"I want this city (Palermo) to tell me its story," Wenders said, adding that the cast would be made of a mix of local talent and foreign actors.

Wenders will be spending a lot of time in Italy toward the end of this year. In addition to the shooting of "Palermo Story" in Sicily, the director will be honored with a special retrospective at the Turin Film festival in November.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter