Al Pacino did not travel to the Venice Film Festival for the premiere of "Father Joe," but sent a video message expressing regret at missing the event and thanking his collaborators. His absence meant the actor was not present for the press conference alongside co-star Kiefer Sutherland and writer-producer Luc Besson, though he praised both by name in his recorded greeting.

"Father Joe" is an action thriller set in 1990s Little Italy, Manhattan, following a priest (Sutherland) who wages a covert war against organised crime, eventually clashing with a mob boss played by Pacino. Ever Anderson also stars, and the film marks the directorial debut of Barthélémy Grossmann, working from a script by Besson, who took a hands-off producing approach. Besson, known for films including "The Fifth Element" and "Lucy," was previously accused of rape by actor Sand Van Roy but was cleared of all charges.