Fri Sep 20 12:17:42 UTC 2024: ## James Franco Returns to Film with “Hey Joe” at Rome Film Festival
**Rome, Italy** – James Franco is set to make his return to the big screen with the new drama “Hey Joe,” premiering at the Rome Film Festival next month. The film, directed by Claudio Giovannesi (“Gomorrah” TV series, “Piranhas”), tells the story of Dean Barry, a young American sailor stationed in post-World War II Naples.
Franco plays Dean, who falls in love with a local woman named Lucia, only to be forced to leave her pregnant and alone when he returns to New Jersey. Years later, Dean returns to Naples to find Lucia and their son Enzo, but must navigate a changed city and face unexpected challenges.
Franco, who speaks both English and Italian in the film, has been taking on roles outside the U.S. following a 2019 lawsuit. He previously starred in the French action-thriller “The Price of Money: A Largo Winch Adventure.” “Hey Joe” is written by Giovannesi and Maurizio Braucci, known for their work on “Piranhas.”
The film features a cast including Francesco Di Napoli, Giulia Ercolini, Aniello Arena, and Francesca Montuori. “Hey Joe” will be released in Italy by Vision Distribution. International sales are handled by Vision Distribution International.
The 19th Rome Film Festival will take place from October 16th to 27th.
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