Giffoni 55: Raffaele and Milani Reflect on Italian Courage

Riccardo Milani Discusses New Film “Life Goes Like This” and Italian Society at Giffoni Film Festival

Giffoni Valle Piana – Director Riccardo Milani offered a compelling look into his latest cinematic endeavor, “Life Goes Like This,” during a recent appearance at the Giffoni Film Festival. The film, which features a stellar cast including Virginia Raffaele, Diego Abatantuono, Geppi Cucciari, and Aldo Baglio, delves into the recurring theme in Milani’s work: communities overcoming critically important challenges.

Milani spoke with particular warmth about his co-star Aldo Baglio, noting, “Like so many artists who do comedy, he has a melancholy part, here he managed to put it. You will see another Aldo!”

The director also shared his complex relationship with his native Italy. “I am very tied to my country,” he stated. “Italy has taught me so much, I owe it so much, but I know that it is a country imbued with many negative qualities, such as corruption, corruptibility, and if there is an element that is present in this film, it is the lack of courage.We have little.” He expressed his frustration with societal apathy, recalling a poignant line from his previous film “A world apart,” where Virginia Raffaele’s character observes how a community becomes accustomed to loss.”Here, I believe that getting used to everything is the worst thing that a human being can do. Let’s not get used to it,” Milani urged. His current film, he added, “even in this film there is anger, the pain for the communities that are put against each other by the laws of the market.”

Milani also emphasized the importance of dialogue with diverse audiences,stating: “Talking to people is a duty,also and above all to the people who think in an opposite way of me. I always hope that the audience of the rooms has a varied audience.”

For Virginia raffaele, this marked her inaugural participation at Giffoni. She addressed the young jurors’ inquiries about her renowned imitations, explaining, “I don’t just imitate. Even if they are famous people, I reinterpret my way of that human being and empathy is essential to enter into communication with people. In this work I interpret many lives and this enlarges your humanity.”

“Life Goes Like This,” co-written by Riccardo Milani and Michele astori, is a production of Mario Gianani and Lorenzo Mieli for Wildside (Fremantle group) and Sonia Rovai for our Films (Mediawan group), with the collaboration of Medusa Film and Piperfilm. The film is slated for an autumn release in theaters, with Medusa Film and PiperFilm handling both domestic and international distribution.

The Giffoni event also served as a party of Medusa Film’s 30th anniversary, with Vice President and CEO Giampaolo Letta and distribution head Paolo Orlando in attendance.

Further details on the Giffoni Film Festival program can be found on the official website.

How does Raffaele’s viewpoint on courage challenge traditional heroic narratives?

The Legacy of Giffoni experience

The Giffoni Experience, particularly its 55th edition, continues to be a pivotal event in understanding contemporary Italian society and the evolving definition of coraggio italiano – Italian courage. This year’s festival, featuring prominent figures like Raffaele and Milani, sparked crucial conversations about facing challenges, embracing vulnerability, and the power of collective storytelling. The festival, held in Giffoni Valle Piana, isn’t merely a film festival; it’s a cultural barometer, reflecting the nation’s anxieties, hopes, and its ongoing search for identity. Understanding the Giffoni Experience requires acknowledging its unique format – a festival by young people for young people,fostering a space for genuine dialog.

raffaele’s Perspective: Courage in Vulnerability

Raffaele, a celebrated Italian actor and director, used his platform at Giffoni 55 to discuss a nuanced understanding of courage. He argued that true bravery isn’t the absence of fear,but the willingness to confront it,particularly when it involves exposing personal vulnerabilities.

Breaking the Mold: Raffaele highlighted how traditional portrayals of heroism frequently enough overshadow the quiet courage of everyday individuals. He championed stories that depict characters grappling with internal conflicts, anxieties, and imperfections.

The Power of Authenticity: He emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling, suggesting that audiences connect more deeply with characters who are relatable and flawed. This resonates with a growing demand for cinema italiano that reflects real-life experiences.

Facing Criticism: Raffaele openly discussed the challenges of navigating public scrutiny and the courage required to maintain artistic integrity in the face of criticism. He encouraged young filmmakers to prioritize their vision and resist compromising their values.

This perspective aligns with a broader cultural shift in Italy, where there’s increasing recognition of the importance of mental health and emotional well-being. The concept of resilienza (resilience) is frequently discussed in Italian media and public discourse.

Milani’s focus: Collective Courage and Social Obligation

Director Milani, known for his socially conscious films, brought a different, yet complementary, perspective to the discussion of Italian courage. He focused on the power of collective action and the responsibility of filmmakers to address pressing social issues.

Cinema as a Catalyst for Change: Milani believes that film italiano has a unique ability to spark dialogue and inspire social change. He cited examples of films that have successfully raised awareness about issues such as immigration, poverty, and inequality.

Giving voice to the Marginalized: He stressed the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalized communities and challenging dominant narratives. His work often features characters from underrepresented backgrounds, offering a more inclusive and nuanced portrayal of Italian society.

The Courage to Speak Truth to Power: Milani encouraged young filmmakers to be fearless in their pursuit of truth and to hold those in power accountable. He acknowledged the risks involved in tackling controversial topics but argued that the potential rewards – in terms of social impact – are worth it.

Milani’s approach reflects a long tradition of cinema impegnato (committed cinema) in Italy, a genre that emerged in the post-war era and aimed to address social and political issues.

Giffoni 55: A Platform for Emerging Talent

Beyond the contributions of established figures like Raffaele and Milani, Giffoni 55 provided a crucial platform for emerging Italian filmmakers. The festival’s competitive sections showcased a diverse range of short films and documentaries, offering a glimpse into the future of cinema italiano.

Focus on Youth Perspectives: Many of the films selected for competition explored themes relevant to young people, such as identity, belonging, and the challenges of navigating a rapidly changing world.

Innovative Storytelling Techniques: The festival highlighted filmmakers who are experimenting with new storytelling techniques and pushing the boundaries of the medium.

Networking Opportunities: Giffoni 55 provided invaluable networking opportunities for young filmmakers, connecting them with industry professionals and potential collaborators.

The Role of Location: Giffoni Valle Piana

The location of the Giffoni Experience – Giffoni Valle Piana – is integral to its identity. This small town in Campania becomes a vibrant hub of creativity and dialogue for a week each year. The close-knit community embraces the festival, creating a unique atmosphere of inclusivity and collaboration. The festival’s impact extends beyond the realm of cinema, boosting the local economy and promoting tourism. Utilizing Google Maps to explore Giffoni Valle Piana (https://maps.google.ch/mapfiles/home3.html) allows visitors to understand the festival’s geographical context and plan their trip.

Benefits of Attending & Engaging with Giffoni

Inspiration & Learning: Exposure to diverse cinematic voices and perspectives.

Networking: Opportunities to connect with filmmakers, industry professionals, and fellow film enthusiasts.

Cultural Immersion: Experience the vibrant culture of Southern Italy.

Personal Growth: Encourages critical thinking,empathy,and a deeper understanding of the world.

practical Tips for Future attendees

Plan Ahead: Accommodation in Giffoni Valle Piana is limited, so book well in advance.

Embrace the Community: Engage with the local community and participate in festival events.

Be Open-minded: Explore films from different genres and cultures.

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