“Quiet Bliss” by Edoardo Winspeare selected to Berlinale
A green movie, a short story of happiness: “In grazia di Dio – Quiet Bliss” directed by Edoardo Winspeare will represent Italy at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival as an official entry in the “Panorama” category.
“I am delighted – said the director – since from the very beginning I wanted to go to the Berlin Festival, an occasion which resonates deeply with me, perhaps because I studied in Germany (I went to film school in Munich). As in all my films, the local theme is a strong one – the setting in Salento, working with local actors – but the subject is universal: the metamorphosis of the economic crisis, crisis seen as potential, as a new beginning. It’s a film about the possibility of being happy, whatever happens.”
Produced by Edoardo Winspeare, Gustavo Caputo and Alessandro Contessa for Saietta Film in conjunction with Rai Cinema, the film has received support from the Apulia Film Commission, the Apulia Region’s Department for Agricultural Policy and Luigi De Vecchi, as well as private sponsorship from Banca Popolare Pugliese and Pasta Granoro.
“Winspeare is a special artist who, recounting his own region, has confirmed his enormous skill in the use of language, subject matter and universal feelings. This has been the case from the beginning with “Pizzicata” and his latest work serves only to further refine a productively creative career which we are proud to be a part of”, commented Apulia Film Commission president, Antonella Gaeta.
“In Grazia di Dio”, shot entirely in the Salento area in locations dear to the director – Giuliano di Lecce, Tricase and other local districts – and performed by non-professional actors (the leading actess is Celeste Casciaro, Winspeare’s wife), is the story of four women from the same southern Salento family during the current historic economic crisis. The closure of the family business and the repossession of their house seems to have ruined everything, even family ties.
The only way out is to move to the countryside, work on the land and live by bartering their products. Yet it is this unavoidable decision which sets off a catharsis, forcing the characters to reflect on their lifestyles and above all on their family relationships.
Check the Berlinale screening of the movie here
