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Showing posts from September, 2020

Reflections on Two Contemporary Classics

"In viaggio con papà"  I am working on an article that makes reference to Paolo Sorrentino’s "The Great Beauty," so I watched it again over the weekend. I really enjoyed Carlo Verdone’s scenes even more this second time around because the role is such an aberration for him. Being a soft-spoken, failed writer whose last line is “Rome has really disappointed me,” in my opinion, is so different from any of his other roles. I think it was brave of him to accept it. Watching it again, I felt that his presence (and also Sabrina Ferilli’s) added so much authenticity to the film.   Browsing his projects and interviews on YouTube afterwards, I discovered that a complete version of Alberto Sordi’s "In viaggio con papà" was recently uploaded (but taken down shortly thereafter). As I’m on a Sordi marathon after writing my first in-depth article about him recently, I had to watch it. Even without English subtitles, what an experience. Seeing them work their magic

Jasmine Trinca Makes Her Directorial Debut with 'Being My Mom'

It’s a scorching day in a deserted Rome: mother and daughter are walking non-stop, dragging a large suitcase. The couple seem to seek one another, fleeing from each other, inverting their natural roles in continuation. Until, with just one gesture, they reveal the unexpected epiphany of their love. And so begins a new chapter for actress Jasmine Trinca as a director. “Being My Mom is a metaphorical walk in the existence of two women, a mother and her daughter, two protagonists of nothing but their lives. We are watching them by chance; two creatures taking part in existence, inessential for the world but essential for one another. It is a study of the bright and obscure paths of maternity and progeny,” explained Trinca. The film, which stars Alba Rohrwacher and Maayane Conti, boasts an all-female cast and crew, and has already made the line-up of two film festivals- Giovanna Taviani's Salina DocFest and Australia's nationwide Italian Film Festival . We'll keep you updated

The First Edition of the Matera Film Festival is Underway

The first edition of the Matera Film Festival is underway in the ancient stone city of Basilicata. A four day event featuring films from all over the world as well as books and art installations celebrating film, the festival is a physical event with social distancing measures in place. The first three days of the event count as the official film festival with the fourth to feature works focusing on culture, not in competition. The festival was created by local filmmakers prolific in the international filmmaking scene that has exploded in recent years, inspiring the region’s nickname- “Basilicata: Land of Cinema.” Among them are actress Annarita del Piano, co-president (with Dario Toma) of the festival, actor and artistic director Nando Irene, creative director Silvio Giordano and producer Enzo Sisti who will serve as the honorary president.     Sisti is responsible for bringing international crews to Matera, starting with Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ” up to the latest James