Seeing Red’ Goes Beyond Ferrari

Fremantle’s New Documentary “Luca: Seeing Red” Delves into the Life of Luca di Montezemolo

Fremantle’s latest documentary, “Luca: Seeing Red,” offers a unique insight into the life and career of former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo. However, this film is not just about Ferrari, as di Montezemolo himself insisted on certain conditions before agreeing to the project. In an interview with Variety at Cannes, he stated, “First – it won’t be just about Ferrari. Second – it won’t be fiction. You don’t want to see an actor playing Kimi Räikkönen, you want to see Kimi Räikkönen. Third – it won’t be about my private life.”

The documentary not only delves into di Montezemolo’s tenure at Ferrari but also explores his other ventures, such as the launch of yacht racing team Azzurra, co-founding train transport company Italo, and spearheading the final concert of Three Tenors. Reflecting on these experiences, di Montezemolo expressed, “This movie has given me the possibility to reflect on all the things I’ve done.”

One of the highlights of the film is the collaboration with “Top Gear’s” Chris Harris, who joins di Montezemolo in reminiscing about his journey that began in the 1970s when Enzo Ferrari hired him as an assistant. Harris acknowledges di Montezemolo’s strategic approach to success, stating, “You have to pick the right people and have clear goals, but I’ve been lucky to have art in my life, my family and my friends.”

Director Manish Pandey, known for the award-winning “Senna,” emphasizes the importance of understanding both Luca and Italy to tell this story effectively. He notes, “For me, this film is about two things. The background is Italy, of course, but it’s about loyalty and about family. That’s the common theme in every single frame.”

“Luca: Seeing Red” has already garnered attention with screenings in Rome and London, receiving positive feedback from audiences. Despite not being a fictional Formula One movie with celebrity actors, the documentary has captivated viewers with its authentic portrayal of Luca di Montezemolo’s remarkable journey.

“I was so happy that 900 people came there for me, and not for some actor or actress. I didn’t expect it,” di Montezemolo shares about the audience’s reaction to the film. “In Rome, when people watch a film, they usually talk to each other or comment. Now, it was silent.”