Jonathan Zarantonello, an Italian creative force to be reckoned with, has made a lasting impact on the worlds of writing, production, and cinema, showcasing an astonishing range of abilities and adaptability in his professional pursuits, as he effortlessly navigates the complexities of his craft with a level of expertise and sophistication that is truly remarkable.
Jonathan's life story begins in the charming city of Vicenza, Italy, a place where his academic path was initially set in motion. He went on to earn a degree from the renowned Civica Scuola di Cinema in Milan, a prestigious institution that has produced some of the most accomplished and skilled individuals in the film industry.
Jonathan joined forces with RAI to create and direct a gripping suspense thriller, "The Butterfly Room", which was heavily influenced by his novel "Alice dalle 4 alle 5". The novel, published by Bunker Lab in 2009, served as the foundation for the film. The movie boasted an impressive cast, featuring renowned actresses Barbara Steele, Heather Langenkamp, and Ray Wise, who brought their talents to the project. The majority of the film's production took place on location in Los Angeles, providing a unique backdrop for the story to unfold. The movie made its world premiere at the esteemed Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival, generating significant buzz and attention. As a direct result of its festival success, "The Butterfly Room" received a wide theatrical release across multiple countries, allowing a broader audience to experience the thrilling narrative.
Jonathan's pioneering artistic endeavour, a cinematic masterpiece of unparalleled brilliance, was brought to life through his highly fruitful and mutually beneficial partnership with the illustrious and accomplished Academy Award-nominated producer, Lorenzo Foschi. This extraordinary collaboration, marked by a synergy of creative vision and technical expertise, gave rise to the trailblazing film Spoof, a groundbreaking fusion of innovative 3D technology, mesmerizing animation, and captivating live-action elements that collectively pushed the boundaries of cinematic storytelling.
Jonathan's creative pursuits transcend the boundaries of the film industry, as he has also explored the realm of literature, authoring and directing a novel titled Basta Che Respirano, which was published by the renowned Coniglio Editore in the year 2005. This literary masterpiece, a testament to Jonathan's versatility and creative range, was subsequently adapted into a cinematic production, UncuT, which made its world premiere at the prestigious Tribeca and Locarno Film Festivals, garnering widespread critical acclaim and subsequently receiving an international theatrical release, thereby making it accessible to audiences worldwide.
Jonathan, a multifaceted and gifted personality, brought forth a remarkable television production, specifically conceptualizing and overseeing the creation of an hour-long television program, aptly titled "Find Me a Man", which was showcased on the esteemed Fox Life channel.
Jonathan's trajectory to acclaimed filmmaker status commenced with a remarkable beginning, as his work on the horror comedy Medley garnered far-reaching recognition. This notable milestone was distinguished by a Silver Ribbon nomination from the prestigious Italian Syndicate of Film Journalists, in acknowledgement of his outstanding directorial debut. The cinematic masterpiece, Medley, made its theatrical premiere and subsequently, it was acquired by the prominent Troma Inc. in New York for distribution, thereby further solidifying Jonathan's reputation as a rising star in the industry.