Italian Cinema Offers Powerful Counter-Narrative to Anti-Male sentiment, Faces Funding Cuts
ROME – As Italy grapples with debates over cultural funding and gender dynamics, two recent films are offering a compelling, and often overlooked, viewpoint on fatherhood, challenging prevailing narratives that often cast paternal figures in a critical light.The films, Five Seconds and For You, both depict deeply loving and supportive relationships between fathers and their children, offering a potent antidote to what some critics describe as a growing “pseudo-feminist discourse” demonizing men.
Paolo Virzì’s Five Seconds centers on Adriano Sereni (Valerio Mastandrea), a separated father navigating an existential crisis compounded by the tragic loss of his disabled daughter while she was in his care. The film explores the societal pressures and blame placed upon fathers in such circumstances, and ultimately portrays a fatherhood often underestimated and denied its due recognition. Adriano’s journey also intersects with that of Matilde (Galatea Bellugi), a young woman who finds support in him during a difficult birth, further highlighting the capacity for paternal love and care.
Meanwhile, Alessandro Aronadio’s For You, based on a true story, focuses on Paolo, a father battling early-onset senile dementia, powerfully portrayed by Edoardo Leo. The film meticulously depicts the psychological and physical decline associated with Alzheimer’s, and showcases the unwavering devotion of Paolo’s wife, Michela (Teresa Saponangelo), and son, Mattia (Javier Francesco Leoni). Notably, the real-life inspiration for the film, Mattia piccoli, was awarded the title of Standard Bearer of the Republic by President Mattarella for his dedicated care of his father.
The common thread running through both films is a festivity of filial love and a nuanced portrayal of fatherhood that directly counters the “widespread negative representation” of paternal figures currently prevalent in some societal discussions.
The timing of these films’ release is particularly poignant, as the Italian film industry faces significant funding cuts.The author of this piece expressed ”scandal” at the proposed reductions, arguing that, despite a perceived decline in reading, cinema remains a vital form of cultural transmission - a point seemingly at odds with comments made by former Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano, who was observed prioritizing other activities over reading. The author implores current minister of Culture, Gina Giuli, to provide clear and decisive support for the industry, dismissing what they termed “super bullshit.”
