Italy’s cinematic gem “Vermiglio” heads to the Oscars
A new contender emerges from the Alps
Maura Delpero’s latest film, “Vermiglio,” has been selected as Italy’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2025 Academy Awards. This intimate epic, which recently clinched the Silver Lion Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, is set against the backdrop of an Alpine village at the end of World War II. The arrival of a soldier disrupts the delicate balance between three sisters, setting the stage for a poignant drama.
A journey from Venice to Toronto
Following its success in Venice, “Vermiglio” made its North American debut in the Special Presentations section at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film has been lauded for its meticulous attention to detail and its evocative portrayal of rural life in the high Italian Alps. Critics have praised Delpero’s ability to weave a momentous vision from the tiny, tactile details of everyday existence.
Delpero’s cinematic evolution
“Vermiglio” is Delpero’s follow-up to her debut feature, “Maternal,” which explored the lives of teenage mothers in an Argentinian refuge run by nuns. “Maternal” garnered significant attention on the festival circuit, establishing Delpero as a filmmaker to watch. With “Vermiglio,” she continues to build on her reputation, delivering a film that is both intimate and epic in scope.
Behind the scenes: The making of “Vermiglio”
The production of “Vermiglio” was a collaborative effort, with Francesca Andreoli, Leonardo Guerra Seràgnoli, Delpero, and Santiago Fondevila Sancet serving as producers. The film is a co-production between Cinedora and RAI Cinema, with additional support from Charades Production and Versus Production. The participation of Anonymous Content further underscores the film’s international appeal.
A surprising choice for the Oscars
The decision to select “Vermiglio” as Italy’s Oscar entry was made by a commission of experts from Italy’s motion picture association, ANICA. In their statement, they praised the film for its ability to narrate Italy’s rural past in a way that feels both universal and contemporary. This choice was somewhat unexpected, given that Paolo Sorrentino’s “Parthenope” was widely considered the frontrunner. Sorrentino, a former Oscar winner for “The Great Beauty,” was anticipated to represent Italy once again.
The road ahead
As “Vermiglio” heads into the Oscars race, it carries with it the hopes of a nation and the promise of a film that transcends its specific setting to tell a universal story. The film’s success at Venice and Toronto has already set the stage for what could be a remarkable journey to the Academy Awards.
Dive deeper into “Vermiglio”
For those interested in exploring more about “Vermiglio,” you can watch the trailer here. The film’s intricate portrayal of post-war rural life and the complex dynamics between its characters make it a must-watch for cinema enthusiasts.
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