By Gerard Passaro
Alexander Ananasso brings his signature blend of soulful intensity and Italian charm to the role of
Marco in the eagerly awaited queer romance film, Sex Love Venice. The Rome-born out actor delivers a
spellbinding performance as the charismatic Venetian who guides Michael, a man jaded by hookup
culture, toward rediscovering intimacy and love. Set against Venice’s enchanting canals and iconic architecture, the film explores themes of desire, patience, and selfdiscovery, with Ananasso’s portrayal
anchoring its emotional core.
Garard Passaro: It's been a long road to this point. How excited are you about the release of Sex
Love Venice?
Alexander Ananasso: I can’t wait to see myself on the big screen and I’m so hopeful that moviegoers will love the film as much as I do!
GP: What initially attracted you to the role of Marco?
AA:Marco is very different from the man I am and he presented a challenge that I felt up for. He gave
me the opportunity to turn on my magnetism and charm, but also tap into my vulnerability and quirkiness. I couldn’t make him come across as too self-assured! I think Marco’s playful and curious, which I am too.
GP: Marco believes in the transformative power of cultivating desire, maintaining that the things we long for most are infinitely sweeter when savored with patience and intention. Do you agree with him?
AA: Yes, I do. I’m a very patient person. If something or someone is worth it, I can wait and put my energy into preparing and building up to a climax.
GP: Have you tried the transformative power of cultivating desire in real life?
AA: I think I have. Not sure I was as disciplined and determined as Marco
is, though.
GP: As an out actor, what does it mean to bring authentic representation to the screen in a love-themed film?
AA: It is great to see real LGBT people on screen portraying LGBT characters. It is inspiring and motivational, and makes me feel like I belong when, at times, I often feel like I don’t. As an actor, it’s not only a privilege to be the one chosen for a role, but also an honor. It’s incredible to think that someone out there might be inspired and touched by what I do and say on screen.
GP: What was the most memorable moment on set during filming?
AA: There were many! One scene I really enjoyed filming was the one
we shot in the famous book shop, Libreria Acqua Alta. It is often
visited by tourists, so we weren’t sure we were going to be able to get
permission to shoot there, but that day they opened the shop a half hour
earlier and kept the customers outside for us to shoot. The scene we shot wasn’t the one we originally
had planned on doing. The dialogue wasn’t in the script! Daniel and I were able to improvise
with each other and create on the spot, which was fun.
GP: I’m surprise you didn’t say the bed
scene.
AA: Well, yes, I suppose if I had to pick
one really memorable moment in the film, the bed scene would be it.
It was really beautiful and powerful.
GP: You and Daniel have wonderful onscreen chemistry. If you could pick any
celebrity to star alongside you in your next romantic film, who would you choose?
AA: Andrew Scott. He’s my favorite actor. He communicates vulnerability and
emotions so specifically and powerfully. I love
watching his work.
GP: What do you hope audiences —both LGBTQ+ and beyond—take away from Sex Love Venice?
AA: I hope the film stimulates them beyond their regular way of thinking and that it challenges them to be more open-minded and openhearted when meeting new people, whether they be potential friends,
colleagues or lovers.
GP: What’s next on the horizon for you?
AA: I love theatre and I would love to bring my solo show A God Who Can Speak to the states. I’m also writing a new piece about online dating and mental health.
GP: Is mental health important to you?
AA: Everything I do has to do with healing and personal growth. I’m a big believer in self-discovery and
awareness.
Sex Love Venice opened in
select theatres on Friday, February
14, as well as on streaming
platforms including Amazon Prime
and Apple TV.
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