Laura Bispuri – A Trailblazer Telling Stories from a Woman's Perspective

“I always wanted to talk about women – it has been my mission in my life and my work.” Filmmaker Laura Bispuri is part of a new generation of trailblazers giving voice to the plight of Italian women.

Born in Rome in 1977, Bispuri began studying cinema at La Sapienza University. After graduation, she enrolled in an acclaimed filmmaking workshop under the guidance of producer, Domenico Procacci. That experience made a powerful impression on the young director, inspiring many short films and documentaries between 2003 and 2009 that caught the attention of network television producers and film festival directors. Then in 2010, she made the breakout film that earned her a David di Donatello for Best Short Film.

“Passing Time” was ahead of its time in regard to the film’s theme of gender identification. Set in a spacious, cold house in the Italian countryside, a teenage girl is overcome by grief over the death of her beloved grandfather, the only person in her life that truly understood her and allowed her to be herself. In one last tribute to him, as he lay in rest on her parent’s bed, she switches their outfits in demonstrating her rejection of imposed roles. In doing so, she finds peace and liberation in mustering up the courage to wear the clothes that suit her best.

Watch "Passing Time"..

Bispuri’s 2011, “Biondina,” earned her a Nastro d'Argento for Most Promising Director. Shot in the Pugliese coastal town of Lesina, the film follows Biondina, a rebellious teenager who quietly struggles to comply with the rules and expectation of adults. Click here to watch "Biondina" on Vimeo.

Bispuri made her feature film debut in 2015 with the award-winning “Vergine Giurata” (Sworn Virgin). Starring Alba Rohrwacher as Hana, the film is based on the true stories of women in Albania who sacrifice their femininity and choose to live their lives as men in order to be granted certain freedoms. Set in the misty terrain of the mountains of Albania, the story appeals to the old law of the Kanun, swearing eternal virginity and therefore becoming a “sworn virgin.” After years of living this way, Hana feels the need to return to her life as a woman, and leaves Albania in search of a new beginning in Milan. The film was shown all over the world and earned Bispuri numerous awards, including the Nora Ephron prize for Best Female Director at the Tribeca Film Festival.

Bispuri returned to Tribeca in 2018 with “Figlia mia” (Daughter of Mine), which delves into the complex world of adoption as a mother develops a curiosity and affection for the child she gave up. Set amid the majestic sea and mountains of Sardinia, the triangle began when Angelica (Alba Rohrwacher), young and poor, gave birth to Vittoria. Tina (Valeria Golino), married and financially secure, was willing and able to take the burden off Angelica’s hands. Ten years later, Vittoria emerges sheltered and protected but with a free spirit. One day at the beach when she comes face to face with Angelica, she immediately senses something isn’t right. After another encounter, Vittoria starts sneaking away to spend time with her suspected biological mother. After a few afternoons, the natural mother-daughter bond becomes apparent and they can no longer deny the truth. Despite her efforts and sincere love for her daughter, Angelica’s demons make it hard for the two to forge a relationship.

In an interview with Cineuropa about “Daughter of Mine,” Bispuri explained, “Throughout the history of cinema, women have always been sidelined. They have been wives patiently waiting for their husbands to come home, and have often been portrayed in a very superficial way. It’s high time we change that image. Whenever this film is criticized for a lack of focus on men, part of me is quite happy about it. It needs to be this way. Cinema is made of women standing in the background, and yet you never hear us complain.”

Bispuri’s next project is currently in pre-production. “Di lotta e d’amore” is a love story between two teenagers set against the backdrop of housing projects occupied by both Italians and immigrants on the outskirts of Rome.

“Sworn Virgin” and “Daughter of Mine” are available to stream on Amazon, Vudu, YouTube and Google Play.

- Written by Jeannine Guilyard for the September issue of Fra Noi Magazine.

Comments

Luminous Legacies: Yoichi Ohira’s Murano Glass at Magazzino Italian Art

A new exhibition in Cold Spring, New York, is bringing the luminous legacy of Murano glassmaking into focus through the work of Japanese artist Yoichi Ohira. “Yoichi Ohira: Japan in Murano” is on view at Magazzino Italian Art until February 2027. The exhibit showcases the work of Ohira, who became a leading figure in the design of Venetian glassworks on the island of Murano. The exhibition features works that highlight the uniqueness of Ohira’s art across the decades of his career. Ohira’s earliest Murano works blend Venetian glass techniques with his own style. These pieces show balanced shapes, clear surfaces, and striking color combinations. His Venezia e l’Oriente (Venice and the Orient) decanters reflect Venice’s ties to the East, creating vases inspired by Marco Polo’s tales with a modern twist. The exhibition shows Ohira’s respect for Murano’s glass masters, displaying objects alongside preparatory drawings that map ideas to the final works of art. It also explores ho...

The Legend of Alberto Sordi - Rome's Eternal Son

′′They will always judge you, whether you behave well or if you behave badly. So screw it and live as you want but above all don't listen to anyone.′′ - Alberto Sordi By giving his fellow Italians something to laugh about during tumultuous times, he emerged as his generation’s King of Comedy. One of Italy’s best-loved personalities, Alberto Sordi played a pivotal role in Italian cinema from the end of World War II to the postwar economic boom of the 1950s. During those tumultuous years, he gave his countrymen a hearty laugh when they might have otherwise cried. Former Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi perhaps said it best: “Alberto Sordi interpreted the feelings of Italians, especially in their most difficult and tough moments.” Born in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome in 1920, Sordi grew up in a creative household. His mother was an elementary school teacher and his father, a professional musician for the Rome Opera House. A young Sordi joined the children’s choir o...

Alessandro Gassmann: Born to Act

Alessandro Gassmannin his directorial debut "Razzabastarda" Alessandro Gassmann is the son of the iconic Italian actor/director Vittorio Gassman and French actress Juliette Mayniel. He was born in 1965 and grew up around cinema royalty. He made his cinema debut in 1982 at the age of 17 in his father's autobiographical film, "Di padre in figlio." He went on to study his craft under his father's direction at the Theatre Workshop of Florence. Vittorio Gassman was very active in theater and seemed just as comfortable on stage as he did in front of the camera. Known for his powerful interpretations of Dante's "Inferno" and "Paradiso," it is no surprise that he nurtured his son's acting aspirations on stage before he launched his career in television and film. One of Gassmann's strong qualities, which he undoubtedly inherited from his father is his incredible range and ease in going from genre to genre. He can play ...

Netflix's 'Il Gattopardo" — A classic reborn

Netflix photo A new Netflix series adaptation of “The Leopard,” based on Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s seminal novel, is captivating audiences worldwide. Directed by British filmmaker Tom Shankland, the series revisits the iconic tale first brought to the screen by Luchino Visconti in 1963. Set against the backdrop of 1860s Sicily during the Risorgimento, the film follows Prince Fabrizio Salina (Kim Rossi Stuart), an aging aristocrat witnessing the decline of the Sicilian nobility and the rise of a new social order. As Garibaldi’s forces land in Sicily, the prince reflects on the now-fleeting aristocratic way of life. His nephew Tancredi (Saul Nanni) embraces the changes and aligns himself with the new order, famously stating, “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.” Prince Fabrizio, once the epitome of male, moneyed privilege, finds himself grappling with a changing world where his way of life is becoming obsolete. He comes to realize that the aristocracy ...

Federico Fellini: A Look into the Life and Career of an Icon

A Fellini family portrait “The term became a common word to describe something on the surface you can say is bizarre or strange, but actually is really like a painter working on a film,” said Martin Scorsese when asked to define “Felliniesque,” an adjective inspired by one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. The oldest of three children, Federico Fellini was born in the seaside town of Rimini in 1920. His father was a traveling salesman, so his mother was left to do the bulk of raising the children. One can argue that Fellini was born for his destiny. “You could tell that even as a child, he was different and unique. He was very intelligent, well above average. He was always the one to organize things, direct the others, make up games. He could control the other kids with just a look, said Fellini’s sister, Maddalena, in an interview with journalist Gideon Bachmann. Not only was Fellini directing the children, but he was also putting on shows and charging ...

Italian Cinema Today

Search This Blog