Italian
Locarno Film Festival to showcase ‘Fiore Mio’ as pre-opening event
A cinematic journey through the Alps
The Locarno Film Festival is set to captivate audiences with its pre-opening event, featuring the Alpine elegy film Fiore Mio (A Flower of Mine). This marks the directorial debut of the acclaimed Italian novelist Paolo Cognetti, known for his bestselling novel The Eight Mountains. Cognetti not only writes and directs but also stars in this evocative film.
From page to screen: Cognetti’s cinematic evolution
Paolo Cognetti’s transition from novelist to filmmaker is a fascinating journey. His novel The Eight Mountains was adapted into a film by Belgian directors Felix Van Groeningen and Charlotte Vandermeersch, earning the Cannes Jury Prize in 2022. Cognetti’s involvement in the adaptation process provided him with invaluable on-set experience, which he now brings to his own film.
In Fiore Mio, Cognetti revisits the majestic Alpine settings that have long inspired his work. He collaborates with Ruben Impens, the cinematographer of The Eight Mountains, to capture the breathtaking landscapes and glaciers that are under threat from the climate crisis. The film is a poignant reflection on the natural beauty that is at risk of disappearing forever.
A personal and environmental narrative
The inspiration for Fiore Mio came from a deeply personal experience. During the summer of 2022, a severe drought caused the spring near Cognetti’s home in Estoul—a small village perched 1,700 meters above sea level overlooking the Brusson Alpine valley—to dry up. This event moved Cognetti to create a documentary that would capture the fragility and beauty of the Alpine environment.
Cognetti’s narrative approach is influenced by the renowned series of Japanese woodblock prints, 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai Katsushika. Similarly, Fiore Mio shifts perspectives to depict the various levels of mountain life, offering a multifaceted view of the Alpine world.
A grand premiere at Locarno
Fiore Mio will have its special event screening on August 6th at the Piazza Grande, the heart of the Locarno Film Festival, which can accommodate up to 8,000 spectators. This pre-opening event sets the stage for the 77th edition of the festival, which runs from August 7th to 17th and is renowned as Europe’s premier indie cinema event.
The documentary is produced by Samarcanda Film, Nexo Studios, Harald House, and EDI Effetti Digitali Italiani, with support from the Film Commission Vallée d’Aoste. It will be released in Italian cinemas on November 25th, 26th, and 27th, with Nexo handling global distribution.
A cinematic experience not to be missed
For those eager to delve into the world of Fiore Mio, the trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s stunning visuals and poignant narrative. Watch the trailer for Fiore Mio and prepare to be transported to the heart of the Alps.
The Locarno Film Festival continues to be a beacon for independent cinema, showcasing films that push boundaries and explore new narratives. Fiore Mio is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of preserving our natural world. As cinema enthusiasts, we are invited to reflect on the delicate balance between humanity and nature, and the role of art in capturing and preserving this relationship.
Reflecting on the impact of cinema
Cinema has always been a powerful medium for storytelling, capable of evoking deep emotions and sparking important conversations. Films like Fiore Mio remind us of the urgent need to address environmental issues and the impact of climate change on our planet. Through the lens of filmmakers like Paolo Cognetti, we gain a deeper understanding of the world around us and the pressing need to protect it.
As we look forward to the Locarno Film Festival, let us celebrate the filmmakers who use their craft to shine a light on critical issues and inspire change. Fiore Mio is not just a film; it is a call to action, a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us, and the responsibility we have to preserve it for future generations.
For more information and to stay updated on the latest from the Locarno Film Festival, visit their official website and follow their social media channels.
