A dream realized: Maura Delpero’s ‘Vermiglio’ wins Silver Lion at Venice
A tale of war without the war
In a remarkable turn of events, Maura Delpero‘s film Vermiglio clinched the prestigious Silver Lion grand jury prize at the Venice Film Festival. Set against the backdrop of an Alpine village at the end of World War II, the film explores the intricate dynamics between three sisters disrupted by the arrival of a soldier. This film is Delpero’s follow-up to Maternal, which was set in an Argentinian refuge for teenage mothers run by nuns and garnered significant attention on the festival circuit.
The art of subtle storytelling
Venice jury president Isabelle Huppert lauded Vermiglio for its unique approach to depicting war. “It’s like you have a great offscreen subject matter, but you get to see what’s going on only through a small eye, through the latch of a door,” she remarked during a press conference. This subtle storytelling technique allows the audience to feel the tension and emotional weight of war without ever seeing it directly.
A personal journey
Delpero’s connection to Vermiglio is deeply personal. The film was born out of her grief following her father’s death. “Shortly after his death, my father came to visit me in a dream in which he was a small child,” Delpero shared. This dream, coupled with her memories of her father’s childhood home in the mountains, became the foundation for the film. Initially, it was a personal project to cope with her grief, but it soon evolved into a universal story about survival, family, and resilience.
Immersing in the past
Delpero’s background in documentary filmmaking significantly influenced her approach to Vermiglio. To authentically capture the rural mountain world of that period, she immersed herself in the environment. “I slept in the bed where my grandmother gave birth to 10 children – it’s still there – in winter, to feel the cold,” she recounted. This method extended to her interactions with the local community, where she engaged with people in barns and bars, absorbing their dialect and mannerisms.
Crafting authenticity
The casting process for Vermiglio was meticulous. Delpero chose every face in the film, including the extras, ensuring they were people who would never come to a casting call. This attention to detail extended to her work with actors. “I love working with actors and I love to work with them ahead of time, before we shoot,” she explained. This involved rehearsals and exercises to build a sense of family and authenticity among the cast.
The film’s journey ahead
Following its success at Venice, Vermiglio is set to make its mark at the Toronto International Film Festival and numerous other festivals worldwide. Delpero is eager to share her film with audiences globally, despite the challenges of traveling with a small baby. “The response I’m getting is the definitive confirmation that the film is universal,” she said. The emotional resonance of the film, rooted in her father’s tiny village, has already begun to touch audiences deeply.
A universal story
Vermiglio transcends its specific setting and time, offering a poignant exploration of human resilience and the bonds of family. Delpero’s personal connection to the story, combined with her immersive approach to filmmaking, has resulted in a film that speaks to universal themes of survival and hope. As Vermiglio continues its journey across the global festival circuit, it promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences everywhere.
For those interested in experiencing the film firsthand, you can watch the trailer for Vermiglio and delve deeper into its captivating story.
This article has been edited and condensed for clarity.