FRED Film Radio - English Channel

“Sealskin” by Irene Moray is one of the film developed at this year’s Torino Film Lab, an event included in the production days of the Torino Film Industry, that happen in the days of the Torino Film Festival, this year at its 41st edition. The film is supported through the Script Lab and Feature Lab programmes.

“Sealskin” deals with violence against women, that is an issue more and more urgent all over the world. With a poetic and magical approach, the story of slowly disappearance signifies the importance of self determination and equality that is at the base of any sane and safe society.

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Presented at Berlinale 2023, “Family Time” by Tia Kouvo was included in the 41st Torino Film Festival, as part of the section dedicated to the films promoted by the programmes of the Torino Film Lab. “Family Time” was developed through the Future Lab 2021 programme, winning also the TorinoFilmLab Production Award, with a sum of 40.000€.

We interviewed Tia Kouvo about “Family Time” at its premiere in Berlin, in February. Now we discover what has happened to the film after that, which kind of diffusion it got, which kind of festival life it is experiencing.

What Tia Kouvo has noticed, at every screening of the film , indifferent par tof the world, in nations with very different cultures and traditions, is that “Family Time” touches chords that are common and relatable to any audience. Even if the story she tells is really nordic, family ties and relations are basically similar everywhere and this is why the film resonates so much with any audience.

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Fred Film Radio sat down with Tina Bianchi from the Roma Lazio Film Commission during Focus London 2023 to discuss the range of support the institution can offer to TV and film productions wanting to shoot in the region, the significance of the event for collaborating with others in the industry and how, together, all the Italian film commissions are stronger.

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Fred Film Radio had the chance to speak with Cristina Priarone, the President of the Italian Film Commissions, in addition to Director of Roma Lazio Film Commission, during Focus London 2023. She gave some insight into the structure and role of the IFC, why Focus London is such a crucial part of their work and the increasing emphasis given to collaboration between the 20 Italian Film Commissions across different regions of Italy.

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During Focus London 2023, we spoke to Floriano Buono about his role as Head of Production at Fondazione Veneto Film Commission. He shared the importance of being able to meet representatives of the market from the UK and the US face-to-face during the event, needing at times to be a geography teacher in letting people know just what is on offer in his region and where,  and how his commission is one made of cinephiles.

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We spoke with Matteo Garnero, Head of Marketing at the Genova Liguria Film Commission, during Focus London 2023 about new initiatives being launched in 2024, including a new festival to discuss the future of fiction and filming and build a connection between Hollywood and Italy.

He also reflected on the enthusiasm of the industry post-Covid, and the importance of the UK market for Italy’s audiovisual sector as well as tourism.

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To present “Do Not Expect too much from the end of the world“, one of the most irreverent, unexpected and punk films by Radu Jude, at the 41st Torino film festival out of competition, after the success at the Locarno Film festival’s premiere, is protagonist Ilinca Manolache.

As it’s not her first time working with Radu Jude, her last one being “Bad Luck Banging or Loony porn”, Manolache talks about her character, Angela, the protagonist the film whose tiring life the film revolves around. Angela embodies the contradictions in Romanian society resonating with the same issues in the European and World societies.

According to Manolache, “Do Not Expect too much from the end of the world” is a profoundly feminist film as Radu Jude himself and there should me more filmmakers and artists like Jude who care deeply about representing the world and women in particular with a truthful and nuanced look.

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Giovanni Sacchi, Director of the Italian Trade Agency, speaks to Fred Film Radio during Focus London 2023 about the importance of the event for the Italian audiovisual industry, the importance of the UK market, particularly given its forecast growth, and what the priorities and target areas are for Italy in the coming year.

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We sat down with Roberto Lo Crasto, Head of Production at Genova Liguria Film Commission, during Focus London 2023 to hear more about the highlights and challenges their commission has encountered in the last year, how they want to make the most of the spotlight currently shining on their region after some high profile projects and the new initiative they are launching in 2024.

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Fred Film Radio had the opportunity to talk with Stephan Komandarev, the esteemed director, recently presented his newest film, “Blaga’s Lessons” at the 57th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film stands as the third installment in his social trilogy, following “Directions” (2017) and “Rounds” (2019). In a candid conversation with Fred Film Radio, Komandarev revealed the poignant inspiration behind “Blaga’s Lessons” and shed light on the societal issues encapsulated within the narrative.

The shift in focus from professional groups to vulnerable social strata, specifically the elderly, was prompted by a deeply personal experience in Stephan Komandarev‘s life. Reflecting on his father’s passing and the hardships faced by Bulgaria’s elderly generation, he and his co-scriptwriter, Simeon Ventsislavov, sought to dedicate the film to their parents’ generation. This generation bore the brunt of Bulgaria’s political transition, enduring significant challenges and deprivation, even in their twilight years.

The film’s thematic foundation was built upon an exploration of telephone scamming, a prevalent issue targeting seniors. Stephan Komandarev and his team delved into the phenomenon, conducting extensive research aided by law enforcement officials and investigative journalists. This process allowed them to authentically portray the plight of elderly individuals in the post-communist reality. The character of Blaga draws inspiration Stephan Komandarev‘s Literature teacher, someone he deeply respected.

“Blaga’s Lessons” boldly critiques the consequences of Bulgaria’s market economy without shying away from societal commentary. Stephan Komandarev highlights the country’s population decline, brain drain, and the grim reality of depopulation and economic decline. The film provides a nuanced reflection of Bulgaria’s socio-economic landscape, challenging the established order and raising questions about unmet expectations post-political transition.

In concluding thoughts, Stephan Komandarev ponders whether the current system in Bulgaria aligns with true capitalism or stands as an abstract surrogate. He laments the unfulfilled expectations of his generation, emphasising the imperative nature of interpreting these societal issues through his cinematic lens.

This insightful conversation with Stephan Komandarev sheds light on the deeply personal motivations behind “Blaga’s Lessons” and the film’s profound exploration of societal challenges faced by Bulgaria’s elderly population amidst a transforming socio-political landscape.

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