L'Immigrato
Three brothers explore their rural village, gathering and poaching food. Their imaginations run wild, an escape from the poverty of their upbringing. But this is South Italy, WW2. Some things cannot be dreamt away and nothing will ever be the same for them again.
Interview with Writer/Director/Producer Sophia Capasso
Why did you make your film?
This film is a scratch on the surface of the stories I heard growing up, handed down through the generations. I wanted to make a film about war through children's eyes and the devastating effect it can have on families. At the time I was very focused on showing catalysts that force people to move between countries, this was the beginning of my Nonno's journey to the UK post WW2 and the reason the film is called 'L'Immigrato/ The Immigrant'.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
You will be transported to the south of Italy. If you want to be immersed in a simpler time, surrounded by heat, nature and good food then this is a film for you!
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
This is an incredibly personal film. You will hear the voice of our protagonist, Antonio, now in his 80s (heavy accent and all), before being transported back to the 40s. Every element has been designed to fill your senses so you feel like you are out exploring with the 3 boys, the sound and music being just as vital as the shots themselves.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
This was my first film, so it changed a lot! In fact in the edit I cut and entire section of the story to simply the film, returning to the theme that made me make it in the first place and ensuring that was firmly in place. The actors were children from the local village and so we worked closely with them and allowed improvisation to replace dialogue.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Positive! Many older generational Italians recognise this time and their younger family often tell me stories that have been passed to them that are very similar to my grandfather's. Viewers seem most to enjoy the languid feel of the short and the archive footage at the end.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
It has definitely been kinder than I expected!
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I would love to build more of an audience for the film, we make films to be watched after all
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
Film festival directors would be incredible. I am uncertain of it having much of a financial appeal on a large scale but I would love to get it to the right homes and audiences.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
I would love people to see it and remember a time gone by but not so far away. In the modern comforts we live in so far from war torn homes I would like it to remind viewers that there are still people out there in these situations and of the power of compassion
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
Was this necessary, did these children need to experience this?
Interview: September 2021
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L'Immigrato
Length:
14:51
Writer/Director
SOPHIA CAPASSO is a British / Italian filmmaker based in London. Her directorial film debut L’Immigrato is based on her Italian heritage and follows three young brothers in south Italy during WW2. The short won The Hollywood First-Time Filmmakers Showcase 2020 and received an honourable mention at Ischia Film Festival 2020 amid other festival runs.
Producer
TUTTI TUTTI Productions
Key cast:
Matteo Guarnieri (Antonio), Raffaele Guarnieri (Carlo), Davide Funiciello (Salvatore)
Looking for:
film festival directors, sales agents
https://twitter.com/capassosophia?lang=en
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/limmigratofilm/?hl=en-gb
https://www.instagram.com/sophcapasso/?hl=en
Hashtags used:
#italianfilm #warfilm #shortfilm #womeninfilm #foreignlanguagefilm #southitaly
More info: