As a cinephile who has spent years immersed in the world of cinema, I cannot help but be moved by Nicola Bellucci‘s documentary “Quir.” The story of Massimo Milani and Gino Campanella, two icons of the Italian gay movement living in Palermo, is not only a testament to their resilience and courage but also a poignant reminder of the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community in Italy.
Nicola Bellucci, an acclaimed Italian documentarian, recently released a film titled “Quir” – an alternative spelling for queer. This thought-provoking production follows the lives of Massimo Milani and Gino Campanella, a gay couple based in Palermo, Sicily, who have gained notoriety for their handbag business and significant contributions to Italy’s LGBTQ+ community. Their compelling story was showcased at the Taormina Film Festival this week for the very first time.
Bellucci met his subjects during COVID by pure chance. “I got to know Massimo and Gino as I was walking through Balarò, this unique neighborhood of Palermo, which is very well known and multi-ethnic, and I came across this small shop, full of color and materials, and different spellings of the word ‘Quir,’ and I thought to myself, what is this?,” he tells EbMaster.
As a passionate cinephile, I stepped inside and was taken aback by Massimo’s captivating presence in that miniskirt and blonde wig. We struck up a conversation, and he shared his upcoming marriage plans with Gino. They reminisced about their involvement in Italy’s first gay movement in the late 1970s, specifically in Turin during 1976. Their stories of perseverance amidst the tragic losses of young men piqued my interest. I recognized an opportunity to create a film that documented a significant historical movement in Italy over the past 50 years. I’ve always been drawn to telling tales of the misplaced and underrepresented, particularly when the moment has long since passed.
At Bellucci’s mention, a crowd gathers near Milani and Campanella’s store, which functions as a safe haven and source for Palermo’s young transgender and gay community. Seeking guidance and understanding, Vivian Bellina, a young trans woman, approaches, while Charly Abbadessa, an ex-actor reminiscing about the past, shares tales of his Hollywood experiences with Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, and Rock Hudson.
Bellucci remarks: “These other people start to feel like fictional characters in a movie, as they deeply ponder their identities and act out roles similar to those on the silver screen.”
At the Taormina premiere, Milani shared with me (as EbMaster), “Experiencing it before a live audience was incredibly emotional. The film made our own lives seem to flash by on the screen. Cinema at its finest.”
Milani views the movie as an extension of his and Campanella’s personal and political journey within the LGBTQ+ community. When they recognized their own marginalization, they came to terms with the fact that their lives had always been intertwined with this community. They want to share the intricacies of their experiences, which have included loss, oppression, and violence. The film is a reflection of their history, and they take responsibility for the struggles of those who have faced similar hardships. Consequently, they were elated to see the movie come to fruition.
Another dear friend of Milani and Campanella’s, Ernesto Tomasini, is a renowned singer and actor on the international stage. Yet, he pauses his successful career to devote time to caring for his sick mother. In between her baffled amusement and mundane tasks, Ernesto entertains her. This theme resonates with Bellucci’s perspective for the film: “The essence of this movie lies in looking after one another. Every character in the story has someone to care for. Massimo and Gino support each other, but they also extend their caring nature towards others. Ernesto devotes himself to his mother’s wellbeing. Charly sacrifices his career to return to Sicily and care for his mother. There’s a profound message written on the shop wall, ‘Caring is work.’ Massimo and Gino don’t just sell handbags; they serve as genuine caregivers.”
Read More
- Hades Tier List: Fans Weigh In on the Best Characters and Their Unconventional Love Lives
- Smash or Pass: Analyzing the Hades Character Tier List Fun
- Why Final Fantasy Fans Crave the Return of Overworlds: A Dive into Nostalgia
- Sim Racing Setup Showcase: Community Reactions and Insights
- Understanding Movement Speed in Valorant: Knife vs. Abilities
- W PREDICTION. W cryptocurrency
- Why Destiny 2 Players Find the Pale Heart Lost Sectors Unenjoyable: A Deep Dive
- PENDLE PREDICTION. PENDLE cryptocurrency
- How to Handle Smurfs in Valorant: A Guide from the Community
- Dead by Daylight: All Taurie Cain Perks
2024-07-18 23:48