Essere donne

This program explores key figures in Mangini’s cinema as well as its political goal: its focus on stories of outcasts and marginalized groups; the combination of a sharp, intelligent observational talent with humor and social commentary. ESSERE DONNE and LA BRIGLIA SUL COLLO are shining examples of Mangini’s political documentary work. The first gives voice to working-class women, in a pre-feminist experimental film that shows the unavoidable contribution made by women to politics and social justice. In LA BRIGLIA SUL COLLO, the simple story of a child from the Roman working-class becomes a compelling, straightforward accusation leveled at conformism and the oppressiveness of authority. Both LA SCELTA and MARIA E I GIORNI comment on the effects of modernization on people’s lives, albeit using very different means. LA SCELTA deals with moral questions, MARIA takes an ethnographic approach to show the memories, mysteries, and ancient rituals which give animation to the life of a woman who struggles to let them go with the past. V&V meets a young activist couple and learns about their dreams of love and revolution. Dreams that Mangini’s work translates into a genuine, human interest in people’s stories and struggles. (Dalila Missero)

In presence of Cecilia Mangini and Paolo Pisanelli.