Calcinculo

Benedetta, 15, lives in rural Italy with her parents and her two little sisters. After work, her father enjoys tinkering with cars while her mother takes out her frustration on Benedetta. When a funfair sets up on the family’s doorstep, she meets a fairground worker named Amanda who lives a self-determined life and defies gender norms. Benedetta is immediately fascinated by the older Amanda’s self- confidence and independence, and school quickly fades into the background. The two barely talk; their cautious friendship is not one fuelled by grand emotions but rather by genial affection, curiosity and unspoken acknowledgement.
Chiara Bellosi depicts them growing closer in quiet moments and precise observations that lend this coming-of-age film both its poetry and a pervasive sense of lightness. Calcinculo takes a tender look at an unusual friendship whilst unfolding a tale of self-discovery and breaking free. 
 

details

  • Runtime

    90 min
  • Country

    Italy, Switzerland
  • Year of Presentation

    2022
  • Year of Production

    2022
  • Director

    Chiara Bellosi
  • Cast

    Gaia di Pietro, Andrea Carpenzano
  • Production Company

    tempesta, tellfilm
  • Berlinale Section

    Panorama
  • Berlinale Category

    Feature Film