50 and 50 | My first film
The plot
Gennaro is a young art teacher who can’t find a job. On the advice of one of his colleagues, he decides to earn some income by giving private art lessons to children. One day, a little girl named Alessandra comes to his house, proposing a unique collaboration.
Behind the Scenes
Director’s note
I wanted to create a film dedicated to the countless challenges faced by those in precarious positions within the Italian school system. Italy, renowned worldwide for its rich artistic heritage, paradoxically sees individuals pursuing careers in the arts facing financial instability. In a world where working in the arts can often lead to financial ruin, I aimed to address these pressing issues with a touch of humor. By choosing comedy, a prevalent genre in contemporary Italian cinema, I aimed to convey my perspective on these issues while making audiences laugh and reflect on the current state of affairs.
Pietro Albino Di Pasquale
Pietro Albino Di Pasquale, an Italian screenwriter and a cherished friend, played a pivotal role in the making of this movie. He contributed by crafting the script, casting, and location scouting, making this project possible. His expertise and friendship were indispensable, and I’m deeply thankful for his essential role in bringing our creative vision to life. Pietro is well-known in his field for writing movies that have received multiple nominations at the ‘David di Donatello Awards,’ often referred to as the Italian equivalent of the Oscars.
International Crew
I want to extend my gratitude to the dedicated crew who played pivotal roles in making this project a reality. My former university colleagues from Milan, Alessandro Fiori and Steve Marullo, contributed their talents on set as assistants directors making my job easier. Additionally, I was fortunate to have Vladimir Ponomarev from Russia and Riki Ikushima from Japan, who joined us after we met during our film studies in San Francisco. The multilingual set, where both Italian and English were spoken, added a unique dimension to our work, creating a dynamic and professional environment. This international collaboration underscores the diverse and global nature of modern filmmaking.
The Last Chapter: Three full days filming
The three days of filming were an exhilarating journey filled with both challenges and unexpected situations. On the first day, scorching hot weather made shooting particularly difficult, especially for the young girl involved in the film. Day two brought a new set of challenges as we had a group of kids participating for the first time, which required extra patience and guidance. The third day was marked by unexpected rain, forcing us to retake scenes numerous times due to the weather conditions.
Despite these challenges, the filming experience was incredibly rewarding. It provided invaluable lessons in managing people, time, and optimizing shots. As a filmmaker, I learned to adapt and make the most out of unexpected situations, ultimately enhancing my skills and the overall quality of the project. It’s these kinds of experiences that shape us as professionals in the world of filmmaking, and I’m grateful for the growth and knowledge gained during those three eventful days.
Film Festivals and International recognition
The festival journey was unexpectedly rewarding. I didn’t anticipate such widespread recognition, including nominations abroad and awards from different parts of Italy. I’m genuinely grateful for these honors, which reinforce the value of storytelling. This experience has humbled me and inspired me to continue sharing stories with the world.
I’d like to express my deep gratitude to our incredible cast, including Alessandra Riccio, Danilo Aceto, Eugenia Rofi, Pietro Albino Di Pasquale and Aniello Senatore, whose talent and dedication breathed life into this film.
A heartfelt thank you to my dad for his invaluable support, and in general to my whole family for their unwavering encouragement.
To the entire team that made this movie possible, your hard work and dedication have been truly inspiring. I’m humbled by your contributions and grateful for this amazing journey. Thank you all.
Watch the film
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