Would you say that this film is more nostalgic or more resistant?

I would say resistant, because it tells the story of a character who reacts to a distortion, to a dissatisfaction and personal frustration with a “virtuous” sabotage. And then he does it by coming back home, deciding impulsively and somewhat recklessly to start from the beginning, from the place where he was born and where he never wanted to return until that moment: so yes, a unrealistic gesture perhaps, but in its small way even a little revolutionary. Having said that, there is nostalgia of many things: of home, of an aesthetic and of a cinematographic age, of elderly faces and places a little forgotten. But I would say that nostalgia is the envelope in which we have included history.

I have read that, at the moment, the population of Elcito is five inhabitants, and many other Italian countries share the same destiny. Cinema, and art in general, what can do to save these places?

Elcito is a rough place but also very lucky, because it is managed by a wonderful association (the Pro Elcito Association) which has been organizing music festivals, photographic exhibitions and dinners under the stars for years, guaranteeing perfect preservation. It is a destination that I would recommend to all those who pass through the Macerata area, at least for half a day. Having said this, cinema has the duty to show places and realities that otherwise would have been forgotten or would pass unnoticed; I think that for a film-maker there is nothing more beautiful and exciting than discovering something hidden – both good and bad – that cries to be brought to the attention of as many people as possible.

To quote a phrase of the film: “Do you like the effort you make?”

Very much more than anything else. And I continue undaunted!

THE DIRECTOR

Name: Edoardo Ferrero
Short film: Né leggere né scrivere
From: Italy

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