‘Suffragette’ to Open Turin Film Festival

‘Suffragette’ Open Turin Film Festival — STEFFAN HILL/FOCUS FEATURES

The 33rd edition of the Turin Film Fest opens Nov. 20 with the historical political drama Suffragette, directed by Sarah Gavron.

Suffragette tells the story of the struggles and setbacks of women fighting for the right to vote in turn-of-the-century London. Abi Morgan (The Iron Lady, Shame) penned the screenplay.

The film stars Carey Mulligan as Maud, a laundry worker mother, Helena Bonham Carter as Edith, a pharmacist who crafts bombs in her home, and Anne-Marie Duff as working-class Violet. Meryl Streep makes a cameo as British activist Emmeline Pankhurst.

The Hollywood Reporter called the film a “rousing, relevant slice of feminist history” after its debut in Telluride, where it garnered early awards-season buzz. The film was praised for unearthing new material and for its urgency and timeliness as many have forgotten the fight of women for the right to vote.

Suffragette will be released in the U.S. on Oct. 23 and distributed by BIM in Italy in March.

The Turn Film Festival takes place Nov. 20-28. British director Julien Temple is guest director. The fest this year is dedicated to Orson Welles as it is the 100th anniversary of his birth.