Love Venezia Examines Modern Romance and Hook Up Culture
Love Venezia stars bearish actor Alexander Ananasso and Daniel Bateman in what is being described as a “physical and sensory” journey based on the erotic memoir Year of the Whore by writer/ director Steve Balderson.
A groundbreaking new film, Love Venezia, is set to redefine the cinematic portrayal of sexuality and human connection by presenting these themes through a deeply sensory and emotional lens. Written and directed by Steve Balderson, and based on his own life experience that he wrote about in his erotic memoir Year of the Whore (Punk Hostage Press), the film delves into the nuances of intimacy, love, and self-discovery in a world often dominated by superficiality and fleeting encounters.
Michael, the film’s protagonist, is driven by a desire to find meaningful love in a world dominated by the superficiality of hookup culture. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery in Venice and encounters Marco, a poetic and captivating local who challenges Michael to reconsider the way he approaches intimacy. Marco is a proponent of the magic of cultivating desire, believing that when one finally gets the thing they most want, it will taste sweeter than if it was consumed right away.
Love Venezia explores two foundational themes: transcending judgment and discovering the capacity to find love in everyone we meet. “These messages are critical, especially in today’s climate where division, blame, and condemnation are rampant, and in a hookup culture where the essence of love is often absent,” says Balderson. “It’s become a cultural norm to detach feelings from sexual encounters—a misguided notion that devalues the profound connections that define our humanity.”
The film’s setting in Venice, Italy, is an integral part of the story. With its unique atmosphere, the city becomes a metaphor for endurance—like love, Venice endures despite challenges. Balderson chose to shoot Love Venezia in the very locations where the real-life events occurred, ensuring that the character of Michael walked the same alleyways and past the same buildings.
The casting process was meticulous, with a focus on finding actors who were not only talented but also aligned with the film’s values. “It was a bit of a nightmare to find the right actors,” the filmmaker admits. “But once I met Daniel and watched Alex’s audition, I knew we had the right men.”
Love Venezia stars Daniel Bateman as Michael. Bateman appeared on Broadway in Wicked and his nuanced acting and ability to embody complex characters make him a perfect fit for the emotionally charged role of Michael.
Alexander Ananasso, celebrated for his roles in The Voyeur and The Embalmer, brings depth and authenticity to Love Venezia with his captivating performance as Marco.
Suzanna Akins plays the role of the female best friend and the iconic Mink Stole from John Waters’ Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, and Serial Mom rounds out the cast with her unique charm.
Steve Balderson is a prolific filmmaker, best known for Pep Squad (a film that premiered in Cannes) and Firecracker, a film that starred Karen Black and rock star Mike Patton and was recognized by Roger Ebert as one of the year’s best.
Balderson grew up in Kansas, where an early interest in visual storytelling was nurtured by his family. “My grandfather let me borrow his camcorder when I was a kid,” he recalls. “I think I started making home movies at age seven. I’d make my younger sister and brother play the parts, and occasionally rope in the neighborhood children. Making movies was where I felt at home, where I fit in. It was a language I knew instinctively.”
Love Venezia is Balderson’s twentieth film and stands out in the landscape of LGBTQ+ cinema by focusing on love and connection rather than trauma. “I think we’re so accustomed to watching abusive queer stories like those told in Brokeback Mountain and Call Me by My Name,” says the filmmaker. “I really wanted to showcase something else.”
His biggest challenge was finding a way to translate his erotic memoir, Year of the Whore, to the big screen. “It was a daunting because the real-life experience was so sensorial. Once I figured out how to depict the romantic encounter, the whole idea for the film clicked into place.”
Through a sensorial journey engaging all five senses, Love Venezia reveals the forgotten magic of true intimacy and connection, not just with others, but with oneself. Balderson hopes that viewers who experience Love Venezia walk away with the courage to find love in everyone they meet, and carry on with a mindset to support that same thing in others. “My aim is to inspire viewers to let go of judgment, embrace love, and find meaning in every interaction.”
Love, Venezia will have its worldwide premiere on Friday, September 20th at the Virginia Queer Festival in Norfolk. It will then screen Sunday, September 29 at Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival.
