Kevin Spacey is steadily making his way back into the international spotlight with another high-profile appearance at a major film festival. The actor is scheduled to present a trailer for his new sci-fi thriller, Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force, at a gala during the Venice Film Festival in Italy on August 29. The film, designed to launch a franchise, features a star-studded cast and a story centered on supernatural conflict, cosmic forces, and a young woman caught between warring factions.
Key Highlights
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Kevin Spacey to present trailer for Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force at Venice Film Festival
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Film stars Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, Brianna Hildebrand, Disha Patani, Eric Roberts, Harry Goodwins, and Lado Okhotnikov
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Story involves a war between Holiguards and Statiguards and a cosmic portal threatening humanity
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Spacey’s first directing effort in 20 years, following Beyond the Sea (2004)
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Gala will include opera and Georgian dance performances by Holiguard Fire
Holiguards Saga: Story and Production
Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force tells the story of two ancient supernatural factions, the Holiguards and Statiguards, who wage a secret war for control of humanity. The plot intensifies when a young woman learns she is the daughter of two rival leaders, granting her the ability to end the conflict. Meanwhile, a Statiguard strategist plans a catastrophic attack in Paris using a nuclear device and mind-controlled civilians, channeling energy from a cosmic portal to awaken the Prime.
Filmed in Mexico during 2023-24, the $10 million production is backed by Elledgy Media Group and Lado Film, with Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova serving as producer. The script was penned by Lado Okhotnikov and Sergey Torchilin. Paterson-Gavrilova described the project as both a challenge and an inspiration.
“Holiguards is a story about choice, strength, and inner conflict, told through the language of cinema. As a producer, it was important for me to support an ambitious production that is not afraid to be new, complex, and honest. The entire film crew is proud that we are bringing this vision to life step by step.” – Elvira Paterson-Gavrilova
Spacey’s Return to the International Stage
The Venice gala marks another step in Spacey’s attempt to rebuild his career following years of legal and public scrutiny. Earlier this year, he attended the Cannes Film Festival in May to accept an award from the Better World Fund for excellence in film and television. He used his acceptance speech to express gratitude toward his manager Evan Lowenstein and to reflect on his personal growth.
“Who would have ever thought that honoring someone who has been exonerated in every single courtroom he’s ever walked into would be thought of as a brave idea.”
“He [Lowenstein] helped me come out the other side of these last few challenging years not angry, not bitter, not resentful, but more present, more loving, more understanding and more forgiving than I ever have been in my life.” – Kevin Spacey
Spacey has also been recognized for his voice role in the 2023 U.K. action thriller Control at the Folkestone Independent Film Awards, and he received Italy’s Nations Award for Lifetime Achievement in Taormina. His recent appearances include the Italian Global Series Festival and Andrea Bocelli’s Notti Toscane event.
Gala Event Details
The Venice Film Festival gala will not only feature Spacey presenting the trailer but also live performances, including opera and a Georgian dance ensemble, Holiguard Fire. Members of the cast, including Harry Goodwins, and Elledgy Media Group founder Paterson-Gavrilova are expected to attend. The event is designed to showcase the film’s ambitious narrative and cinematic artistry, blending performance, music, and dance.
News in Brief: Kevin Spacey Venice Film Festival in Italy
Kevin Spacey will present the trailer for his sci-fi thriller Holiguards Saga — The Portal of Force at the Venice Film Festival on August 29. The film stars Dolph Lundgren, Tyrese Gibson, Brianna Hildebrand, Disha Patani, Eric Roberts, Harry Goodwins, and Lado Okhotnikov. Filmed in Mexico, the story centers on the supernatural conflict between Holiguards and Statiguards and a young woman with the power to end it. Spacey’s first directing effort in 20 years, the gala will include opera and Georgian dance.
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