Mario Martone's new biopic 'Fuori' explores author Goliarda Sapienza's life and work

A new biopic by Mario Martone that delves into a pivotal period in the life of the late Italian writer and actress Goliarda Sapienza premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in May.

"Fuori" recounts Sapienza's brief incarceration at Rome's Rebibbia prison in 1980 for stealing jewelry after falling on hard times. The film speaks to her life following her release from prison, focusing on her friendship with two young women, including Roberta, a habitual criminal and political activist. Through this bond, Sapienza experiences a personal rebirth and resumes writing, which she had abandoned for about five years following the rejection of her 700-page novel. Valeria Golino stars as Sapienza, with Matilda De Angelis and singer-songwriter Elodie portraying the women she befriends.

Born in 1924 in Sicily, Sapienza is internationally recognized for her novel "L'arte della gioia" ("The Art of Joy"). She played a significant role in the neorealist film movement and was active in social circles with influential writers and directors in Italian cinema. Her relationship with neorealist director Francesco Maselli lasted nearly 20 years, during which they spent time with directors such as Bernardo Bertolucci, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Luchino Visconti.

Sapienza contributed to the Italian film industry of the 1950s as an occasional actress and uncredited assistant in casting, screenwriting, and voice-overs. In her later years, she worked as an acting coach at Rome's Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia and continued to write, with some works remaining unpublished. She passed away in 1996. Her success came posthumously after her husband's efforts to publish her novel.

Click here to read more about Sapienza’s legacy.

-Jeannine Guilyard

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