by InTrieste
“Un anno di scuola,” the new film by Trieste-born director Laura Samani, will be released in Italian cinemas on Thursday, April 9. The film is produced by Nefertiti Film in collaboration with Rai Cinema, with co-production by Tomsa Films and Arte France Cinéma, and distributed in Italy by Lucky Red. A regional preview will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 9 p.m. at Cinema Ambasciatori in Trieste, open to the public until seating is full.
Set in September 2007 in Trieste, the story follows Fred, an 18-year-old Swedish student, who arrives to complete her final year at a technical institute. She finds herself the only female in a class of boys, capturing the attention of three friends — Antero, reserved and charismatic; Pasini, a flamboyant seducer; and Mitis, gentle and protective. Their longstanding friendship is challenged as each boy develops a secret attraction to Fred, while she seeks acceptance within the group, repeatedly facing demands to compromise aspects of her identity.
The cast includes Stella Wendick, Giacomo Covi, Pietro Giustolisi, and Samuel Volturno.
“Un anno di scuola” is Samani’s second feature following “Piccolo corpo” and was produced with support from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission – PromoTurismoFVG. Filming took place across Trieste and its surroundings, highlighting locations such as the Giardino Pubblico Muzio de Tommasini, the Carso plateau, Strada del Friuli, the Rive of Trieste, Barcola’s Topolini, the Stabilimento Balneare Ausonia, Trattoria La Grotta, and the town of Muggia.
The Istituto Galvani played a central role in the project, serving not only as the main filming location but also as an active participant in a collaboration involving local institutions, the school’s administration and faculty, the EDR (Ente di Decentramento Regionale), and the regional Film Commission. Students were directly involved through a Percorso per le Competenze Trasversali e per l’Orientamento (PCTO), providing opportunities to contribute to the film’s production.
The film premiered at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, earning several accolades. Giacomo Covi, Pietro Giustolisi, and Samuel Volturno received the Nuovo IMAIE Talent Award – Premio Fabio Sartor, while Laura Samani was honored with the Premio Pedicini “Autrici Under 40” for Best Director. Additionally, Giacomo Covi won the Orizzonti Award for Best Actor for his performance in the film.
