Get ready for the next “Blind Date” event with Tempi and Simone Fortunato at the Le Giraffe multiplex in Paderno Dugnano (Mi), featuring the attraction of “Vermiglio”. On Thursday, December 19 at 9 pm, for only 5 euros, we will enjoy together at the cinema the work of Maura Delpero, selected to compete for Italy at the Oscars for Best Foreign Film. “Vermiglio” has also won the Grand Jury Prize at the last Venice International Film Festival and is among the 15 candidates for Best Film at the European Film Awards (Efa) held on December 7. Additionally, before the screening (tickets already available here), there will be a Christmas refreshment offered by Le Giraffe to the event participants (details below).
The Plot of “Vermiglio”
The second work (after “Maternal” in 2018) by Delpero, a 48-year-old documentary filmmaker from Bolzano, “Vermiglio” is a partially autobiographical story set between 1944 and 1945 in the village of Vermiglio in Val di Sole, Trentino. In this unique world, touched but not preserved from World War II, the Graziadei family lives among fields, mountains, and snow. With ten children and a father figure from another era, a strict elementary school teacher dedicated to offering his students a horizon that matches their desires. The film revolves around the evolution of the characters, especially the three daughters of the Graziadei family, starting from when the family’s balance is disrupted by the arrival of a deserter from Sicily who captivates the eldest daughter.
The Realism of Maura Delpero
“Vermiglio,” highly praised by the majority of critics, has been compared to Ermanno Olmi’s “The Tree of Wooden Clogs” in terms of setting and narrative style. In a cinematic season where many films present artificial reconstructions of the past to morally condemn its alleged flaws based on present-day values (patriarchy!), Maura Delpero’s documentary eye promises surprises. For instance, the choice to cast locals mixed with professional actors and filming in Trentino dialect (with subtitles) because, in 1944 in Vermiglio, nobody spoke Italian.
A “Relationship Film”
In interviews about “Vermiglio,” the director referred to it as a “relationship film” where “there is always someone talking about someone else” and where “what happens to me affects others and complicates life.” Maura Delpero stated that the film does not shy away from the “religious sense of life” and aims to address the complexity of motherhood beyond current trends. She emphasized the importance of creating an environment where those who want children are not victims of conflicts. “Vermiglio” is a collective film about family that portrays a community and transitions into individuality as characters become more individual and eventually move to the city.
How to Participate in the Event
Will “Vermiglio” live up to its promise of originality? Only time will tell. By the screening date of our “Blind Date” event on Thursday, December 19, we will know if Maura Delpero’s creation made it to the Academy’s list of 15 best international films, from which the Oscar nominees will be selected. The shortlist announcement is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17 (with the actual nominations a month later). To discover the rest, book your ticket using this link (or scan the QR code below) and join us on Thursday, December 19, at 9 pm at the Le Giraffe multiplex in Paderno Dugnano to watch, discuss, and vote on the film with Simone Fortunato and Tempi.
Aperitif and Christmas Gifts
Additionally, Le Giraffe multiplex is delighted to offer a Christmas refreshment before the screening to the “Blind Date” event attendees. Join us on Thursday, December 19, at 8 pm at the pub located right in front of the cinema entrance with your event ticket. Remember to bring a movie-themed gift, nicely wrapped for Christmas. It could be a DVD, a poster, a magazine, a figurine, a memorabilia… anything related to cinema. At the end of the evening, besides the film rating, there will be a grand Christmas gift exchange. All of this, of course, will be done “blindly.”
