Miramax has announced the release of the stirring independent film Malèna . Overlooked at the box office, “Malèna” is director Giuseppe Tornatore’s latest film be released in the U.S. following a string of critically acclaimed films including “The Legend of 1900” and “Cinema Paradiso”.

“Malèna” is a story about a young boy’s journey into manhood and the beautiful young widow who inspires his independence and courage. Malèna (Monica Bellucci) is the most ravishing woman in Catelcuto, a sleepy Sicilian village. With her husband away at war, every step she takes is accompanied by the lustful looks of the townsmen and the resentful gossip of their envious wives. An army of young boys follow her everywhere, just to stare at her exquisite beauty. Amongst them is Renato Amoroso, a 13-year-old (Giuseppe Sulfaro) who makes Malena the object of his affection. His obsession with Malèna leads him to secretly spy on her and, as the gossip about her grows and becomes increasingly malicious, he is the only one who knows her true story.

Coming this summer, “Malèna” will contain an anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 audio tracks in Italian and French with optional English subtitles. The disc will feature a theatrical trailer and TV spots as well as the featurette “The Making of Malèna”.

Hitting retail shelves on July 10th, “Malèna” will carry the fairly hefty suggested retail price of $32.99.