Movie of the Day: Vittoria (2024) by Alessandro Cassigoli, Casey Kauffman

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/vittoria (Italy)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt32038799/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/466383/

About movie: https://www.intramovies.com/production/vittoria/

"Vittoria (2024)" by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman: A True Story of Desire and Family

"Vittoria (2024)," co-directed and co-written by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman, is an Italian drama based on true events that intimately explores the profound and unexpected desire for a daughter that leads a woman and her family on a challenging journey into international adoption. The film is notable for featuring the real individuals portraying their own lives.

Detailed Summary

The film centers on Jasmine (portrayed by Marilena Amato, the real-life individual), a seemingly content hairdresser in her 40s living near Naples with her devoted husband, Rino (Gennaro Scarica), and their three sons. However, following the death of her father, Jasmine begins experiencing a recurring dream of a little girl running into her arms, which ignites an intense and consuming desire to have a daughter. This powerful longing, which is initially met with confusion and resistance from those around her, including her husband, compels Jasmine to embark on the complex and often challenging path of international adoption. The film chronicles the emotional and practical hurdles they face throughout the adoption process, highlighting the strain it places on Jasmine's marriage, the stability of her family, and her own moral compass as she grapples with the depth of her desire. Set in the authentic backdrop of Torre Annunziata, the film blends real-life experience with dramatic storytelling, offering a raw and moving portrayal of family dynamics and the pursuit of a deeply held wish.

Plot Summary

After her father's death, a Neapolitan hairdresser, Jasmine, becomes fixated on a recurring dream of a daughter, leading her to pursue international adoption against the initial reservations of her husband and family, risking their stability in her quest to fulfill this intense desire.

Director's Vision

Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman, who have a history of collaborating on documentaries and a previous narrative feature ("Californie") often utilizing non-professional actors and real-life settings, were drawn to Jasmine's story due to the seemingly irrational yet powerful nature of her desire. Their vision for "Vittoria" was to explore whether it is wrong to be driven by heart and instinct over reason, particularly within the emotionally charged context of international adoption. They aimed to blend real-life experience with classic dramaturgy, using the non-professional actors (the real family) to capture a raw authenticity that would resonate with the audience. Filming in Torre Annunziata, a location they have explored in previous works, facilitated their approach of working with a small crew, real locations, and individuals. They viewed the filmmaking process as a space for the protagonists to confront unaddressed emotions, elevating the emotional experience for both those involved and the viewers.

Themes

• Desire and Longing: The central theme is the powerful and almost inexplicable desire for a daughter that consumes the protagonist.

• Family Dynamics: The film deeply explores the intricate relationships within a family unit when faced with an unconventional and potentially disruptive pursuit.

• International Adoption: The challenges, complexities, and emotional toll of the international adoption process are a significant thematic focus.

• Grief and Transformation: The father's death acts as a catalyst, triggering a period of intense introspection and a transformative desire in the protagonist.

• Reality and Dramaturgy: The film blurs the lines between reality and fiction by featuring the real individuals, exploring the dramatic potential within lived experiences.

• Instinct vs. Reason: The narrative raises questions about the validity of being driven by deep-seated desires and instincts that may seem irrational to others.

Key Success Factors

Based on critical reception and festival recognition, key success factors for "Vittoria" include:

• Authenticity of Featuring Real Individuals: The decision to have the real family portray themselves is a powerful and unique aspect that contributes to the film's raw emotional impact.

• Compelling and Relatable Human Story: The film resonates with audiences due to its focus on a deeply personal and emotionally charged journey.

• Skilled Blending of Reality and Fiction: The directors successfully weave true events with dramatic storytelling, creating a nuanced and engaging narrative.

• Festival Acclaim and Awards: Winning multiple awards at prestigious international film festivals like Venice, Thessaloniki, and Cairo highlights the film's artistic merit and impact on a global stage.

• Strong Direction and Performances: Critics have praised the directors' sensitive handling of the true story and the compelling performances of the non-professional cast.

Summary Short

"Vittoria (2024)" by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman is an award-winning Italian drama based on a true story, featuring the real family, about a Neapolitan hairdresser whose recurring dream after her father's death sparks an intense desire for a daughter, leading her to pursue international adoption and challenging her family dynamics.

Awards and Nominations

"Vittoria (2024)" has received significant recognition on the international film festival circuit, garnering a total of 5 wins and 5 nominations according to IMDb. Notable wins include:

• FEDIC Award at the Venice Film Festival 2024.

• "Golden Alexander – Michel Demopoulos" Award for Best Feature Film in the Meet the Neighbors Competition at the Thessaloniki Film Festival 2024.

• Best Screenplay Award at the Cairo International Film Festival 2024. The film was also nominated for awards at these festivals and others.

Critics Reception

"Vittoria (2024)" has received generally positive critical reception, particularly following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

• Screen Daily (Lee Marshall): Praised the film as an "affecting and very real drama" that is "scripted with admirable efficiency" and where "single scenes speak volumes." The review highlighted the blend of the intensely real setting with a touch of the fable and the emotional pressure cooker atmosphere.

• Eye For Film (Amber Wilkinson): Described the film as an "authentic and heartfelt drama" where the directors "capture the muscle of family life as it bends, stretches and, from time to time strains," supported by a lyrical score.

• Cineuropa (Camillo De Marco): Provided a review following the Venice premiere, contributing to the film's initial critical assessment.

• The Moveable Fest: Referred to the film as a "short and sweet tale of a woman who longs to adopt a daughter."

• Venice Film Festival and other Festival Notes: Program notes from various festivals (Venice, MUBI, Thessaloniki, Lux Film Festival, Istanbul Film Festival) consistently praised the film's basis in true events, the use of real individuals, the exploration of the protagonist's desire, and the film's emotional depth and cinematic style.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics generally lauded "Vittoria" for its authentic and deeply human portrayal of a family's journey through a challenging international adoption process. The directors' decision to work with the real individuals and their ability to blend documentary-style realism with compelling dramatic narrative were widely praised. The film's emotional impact, efficient storytelling, and the strong performances of the non-professional cast were frequently highlighted as key strengths, leading to significant recognition and awards at international film festivals.

Reviews

Reviews from publications like Screen Daily and Eye For Film, along with program notes from various international film festivals, paint a picture of "Vittoria" as a moving and well-crafted drama. Critics were particularly impressed by the film's authenticity, achieved by having the real family tell their story on screen. The sensitive direction by Cassigoli and Kauffman and their ability to capture the complex emotional landscape of the family were consistently praised. The film is seen as a testament to the power of real-life stories and the effectiveness of blending documentary and fiction filmmaking approaches.

Box Office

As of the available information, "Vittoria (2024)" has an estimated budget of €600,000 and a reported worldwide gross of approximately $118,263.

Production

"Vittoria (2024)" was produced by a consortium of Italian production companies, including Zoe Films, Sacher Film (associated with renowned filmmaker Nanni Moretti), Scarabeo Entertainment, and LaDoc, with the support of Rai Cinema. The film was co-directed and co-written by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman. It was filmed in Torre Annunziata, near Naples, Italy. A key aspect of the production was the casting of the real individuals whose story the film is based on, including Marilena Amato as Jasmine. The directors employed a method that involved extensive interviews and then working with the actors on set, sometimes using a plot outline rather than strict dialogue, to encourage authentic reactions and interactions.

Production Companies

• Zoe Films: (Country: Italy) - Production company.

• Sacher Film: (Country: Italy) - Production company.

• Scarabeo Entertainment: (Country: Italy) - Production company.

• LaDoc: (Country: Italy) - Production company.

• Rai Cinema: (Country: Italy) - Co-production support.

Sales Companies

• Intramovies: (Country: Italy) - Handles world sales for the film.

Distribution Companies

• Teodora Film: (Country: Italy) - Distributed the film theatrically in Italy.

Theatrical Release

"Vittoria (2024)" had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024, in the Orizzonti Extra section. It had its theatrical release in Italy on October 3, 2024, distributed by Teodora Film. The film has also screened at numerous other international film festivals in late 2024 and early 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Powerful True Story: The film offers a deeply moving and authentic portrayal of a family's real-life journey and the pursuit of a profound desire.

• Unique Filmmaking Approach: The blend of documentary realism and dramatic narrative, featuring the real individuals, provides a compelling and unusual cinematic experience.

• Award-Winning and Critically Praised: The film's recognition at major international film festivals and positive reviews highlight its artistic quality and emotional impact.

Why to Watch Movie

• Experience Authentic Human Emotion: The real individuals portraying their own story bring a raw and genuine emotional depth to the film.

• Gain Insight into International Adoption: The movie offers a personal and intimate look at the complexities and challenges involved in international adoption.

• Appreciate Independent and Socially Relevant Cinema: Watching "Vittoria" supports independent filmmakers telling important, real-life stories that explore universal human desires and family dynamics.

What Movie Trend film is following

The film aligns with the trend of hybrid documentary/narrative filmmaking, blurring the lines between reality and fiction by incorporating real individuals and events into a dramatic structure. It also fits within the trend of socially relevant and humanistic cinema, focusing on personal stories that shed light on broader societal experiences and emotional truths.

What Big Social Trend is following

The movie touches upon the social trend concerning changing family structures and the diverse paths to parenthood, specifically highlighting the emotional complexities and challenges associated with international adoption. It also reflects the broader human experience of grappling with profound personal desires and navigating them within existing relationships and societal norms.

Final Verdict

"Vittoria (2024)" by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman is a truly exceptional and deeply moving film that stands out for its courageous and sensitive approach to telling a real-life story. By featuring the actual individuals portraying their own experiences, the directors achieve a level of authenticity and emotional rawness that is rarely seen in narrative cinema. The film's exploration of a woman's compelling desire for a daughter and the subsequent impact on her family is both intimate and universal. While the film's budget and box office are modest, its significant recognition and multiple awards at prestigious international film festivals underscore its artistic merit and powerful human story. "Vittoria" is a must-watch for those who appreciate innovative filmmaking, authentic storytelling, and dramas that delve into the complexities of family, desire, and the pursuit of a life's wish.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Explore the Dramatic Potential in True Stories: Real-life events and the experiences of ordinary individuals can serve as powerful inspiration for compelling and resonant cinematic narratives.

• Consider Working with Non-Professional Actors: Collaborating with individuals who have lived the experiences portrayed in the film can bring a unique level of authenticity and emotional depth to the performances.

• Embrace Hybrid Approaches: Experimenting with blending documentary and narrative filmmaking techniques can lead to innovative storytelling methods and a fresh cinematic language.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Films Based on True Stories with Authentic Portrayals: Recognize the value and impact of films that authentically depict real-life events and feature individuals with direct connections to the story.

• Provide Platforms for Hybrid Films: Create distribution avenues and opportunities for films that blend documentary and narrative elements, as these projects can offer unique perspectives and emotional power.

• Highlight and Promote Festival-Acclaimed Films: Actively promote and distribute films that have received recognition at international film festivals, ensuring that these often-impactful stories reach a wider global audience.