ITALIA – 2023 – DCP – colore – 9’

Direction: Giovanna Mezzogiorno

Screenplay: Giovanna Mezzogiorno an idea by Silvia Grilli

Cinematography: Stefano Paradiso

Editing: Diego Capitani

Set design: Emanuela Zappacosta

Music: the song Il Paradiso dei Bugiardi is written by Tiziano Ferro

Costumes: Flavia Figà Talamanca

Cast: Carolina Crescentini (Giovanna), Ambra Angiolini (regista director), Massimiliano Caiazzo (giovane attore young actor), Marco Bonini (ufficio stampa press office), Moira Mazzantini (agente agent), Fabio Volo (produttore producer)

Producer: Manuela Cacciamani

Production: One More Pictures in collaboration with Grazia, Bulgari

synopsis

The protagonist Giovanna endures a series of ordinary cruelties from the director, producer, press office and agent while only one voice stands in her defense: that of a young actor.

director’s statement 

“Unfitting seeks to highlight, in an ironic and non-self-pitying way, the arduous and complex path that many women daily encounter in their personal, professional and psychological realms. Born and raised in an “aesthetic dictatorship,” they are subjected to constant criticism and merciless judgments, which undermine their self-confidence and esteem.

In just a few minutes, I have sought to convey the idea of how difficult (but at the same time very important) it is to fight against this controlling system and these criteria of choice.”

critical note

“Nine minutes are enough to tear at the heart and enlighten the mind. Nine gracefully shot minutes that set a boatload of reflections in motion. Credit goes to Giovanna Mezzogiorno, who makes her debut from behind the camera, and her touching Unfitting. (…) Mezzogiorno raises an alarm and denounces a system that leaves no way out (…) However, the director does not only point a finger at the “dream factory”, but also makes a broader statement that concerns, in general, a society in obsessive pursuit of physical perfection, which does not pardon anyone for yielding or abandoning.” (Ignazio Senatore, CineCriticaWeb.it)

festivals and awards

2023 Festa del Cinema, Roma – Special Screening

2024 Globi d’Oro Golden Globes, Italia: Miglior Cortometraggio Best Short Film