Andrea Bocelli, the world-renowned tenor, will be showcasing his horse-riding talents in his new film, “The Journey,” which will be screened in select theaters on April 2-4 and April 6.
Andrea Bocelli and Veronica Berti Bocelli ( Photo: Casa Magazine )
The three-part film will take audiences along the Via Franciagena, an ancient road from Rome to Lajatico, Bocelli’s hometown.
As they travel, Bocelli and his companions, including his wife and friends, perform at various venues and engage with the locals.
Bocelli has been riding horses since he was seven years old and has always considered them to be his friend and a means of transportation. The blind tenor revealed that his first horse was a gift from his grandfather, and when he passed away, Bocelli’s father bought him a horse. His wife, Veronica Berti Bocelli, admitted that the horseback journey was not easy for her, but Bocelli’s ability to communicate with the horses made it easier for him.
Bocelli’s children, Matteo and Virginia, also join the journey at different points, but neither rode horses due to allergies. Grammy winner Tori Kelly and Bocelli’s childhood friend, Christiano Quaratessi, also appear in the film. They recall their childhood together, with Bocelli revealing that he taught Christiano how to drive, resulting in some damage to Bocelli’s father’s car.
The film highlights Bocelli’s strong faith, beginning with a blessing from Pope Francis.
Bocelli believes that every talent is a gift from the heavens and serves to make the world a more beautiful place. He also believes that artists have a responsibility to make the world more beautiful.
Bocelli’s faith got him through the COVID-19 lockdown, and he will be back on the road performing for U.S. audiences with a seven-date tour that starts on May 9 in Los Angeles and ends on May 21 in Minneapolis.
Bocelli said that returning to the stage has been a wonderful experience that has brought him much joy.
