The power and community of women is celebrated in Ferzan Ozpetek’s box-office smash Diamonds (Diamanti). An ensemble of real-life actresses is assembled for his next film, the fictional story of a fashion house specializing in costumes for theater and cinema. In the film-within-a-film, the company’s latest project is a period piece set in the 18th century, balancing historical accuracy with artistic license and meaningful design choices.

Like Ozpetek’s other works, the cinematography and craft on display are sumptuous, creating a romantic visual landscape of pleasure and elegance. The camera glides around the action, typically scenes full of energy and movement, inviting the audience into the story as more than an observer, but a participant.

Within a perfectly crafted frame lies a hierarchy of power structures, from film director to costume designer; to the two sisters running the fashion house; to the seamstresses whose labor makes real the dreams of cinema. There are flashes of ugliness, of cruelty, abuse, and unfair expectations cast from the higher to the lower levels, but through execution of the work, there is an understanding and appreciation for the job well done, a result of collaboration.

Diamonds is an official selection of the 51st Seattle International Film Festival! Explore more info at siff.net/festival.