The Teatro alla Scala has announced the theatrical release of “La Scala: The Force of Destiny.”

The 90-minute feature-documentary directed by Anissa Bonnefont will be released on the Nov. 2 in theaters in France.

The film is the first documentary co-produced under a new partnership between RAI Documentari & France Télévisions.

This feature documentary produced by Federation Studios (Myriam Weil) and MDE (Francesco Melzi d’Eril), will have its world-wide premiere at the Teatro alla Scala, on October 20th, with the support of Rolex and later shown at the American French Film Festival in Los Angeles.

The film documents the preparation of “La Forza del Destino,” Verdi’s opera masterpiece, which opened La Scala’s 2024 season. From the first rehearsals to opening night’s fateful curtain rise, award-winning director Anissa Bonnefont and her crew take us on a journey with the world class cast of singers (Soprano Anna Netrebko, Barytone Ludovic Tézier, Tenor Brian Jagde), the Maestro, Riccardo Chailly and the stage director, Leo Muscato, along with the nine hundred artisans, dancers, musicians and technicians who toil day and night in a race against the clock, all leading up to the world’s most iconic season opening.

In a statement Bonnefont said, “Having had the chance to film for several months at the heart of La Scala, so close to these passionate, brilliant, and generous talents, was an extraordinary opportunity. The precision of the work in every department — the costumes, sets, props, the chorus, the choreography, and of course, the musicians, the attention to every detail of the opera… this incredible outpouring of energy, knowledge, and expertise dedicated to bringing Verdi’s work to life absolutely fascinated me. I saw in this, a source of inspiration and joy that felt particularly essential today, at a time when so much focus is placed on artificial intelligence. I wanted to honor the intelligence of the true craft, and the artist’s way of seeing. I learned so much from working with the extraordinary stage director Leo Muscato, and Maestro Chailly, as well as all those so deeply devoted to this one shared goal: Bringing Verdi’s work to the public. Throughout the filming, I was driven by a desire to capture and share the infectious vibrant energy that fills La Scala — the very thing that makes it such an iconic and magical place.”

In a statement, Fortunato Ortombina, Superintendent and Artistic Director of Teatro alla Scala added, “Theatre is always a collective endeavour, but on December 7 it becomes a truly choral effort that unites all the forces of La Scala and the city itself. The documentary we are presenting captures precisely this spirit of shared work, where the enthusiasm of individuals merges into a powerful common drive—one that radiates from Milan to the world. The documentary directed by Anissa Bonnefont is the result of a collaboration between Rai and France Télévisions, and was jointly produced by Italian and French producers. This extraordinary undertaking involves Maestro Riccardo Chailly, director Leo Muscato, the orchestra, the chorus, and the entire stage and office staff, all working with passion and a deep sense of purpose.”