APCOM

The 2008 edition of the Cannes Film Festival didn't only celebrate the talent of Matteo Garrone and Paolo Sorrentino. An other Italian director was awarded a prestigious award: Attilio Azzola, a 37 year old Milanese film maker whose movie, 'Diari' (Diaries), gained the 'Grand Prix Ecrans Junior', the event's parallel section intended for works based on teenagers' stories. A jury almost entirely made of young spectators, who study cinema at school, chose 'Diari' among the eight finalists that were selected out of the 1,800 candidate films.

After the positive experience in the French Riviera, Azzola returned to Milano to present his film in occasion of the review 'Cannes e dintorni'. We asked him to tell us more about it. "Two years ago I realised that I wanted to shoot a movie on adolescence" he explained. "I knew it wouldn't be easy, both from a financial and technical point of view, but then I got in touch with several institutions and we launched the homonymous educational project. Through the announcement of the 'Progetto Monza e Brianza' we gathered 70 of teenagers and offered them acting and other cinema-related workshops. Most of the movie's cast and technical assistants come from these seminars. The production was entrusted to the Milanese society 'Fouricampo': I've been working with them for seven years, we are a very harmonious group."

What is the film about? "The main theme is the road to maturity and the search for identity of a group of teenagers. The leitmotiv is the sometimes harsh conflict with the paternal figure. Besides, the work is structured in the three episodes, which are connected both on a thematic level and through the characters. The last chapter links everything." In your opinion, how are teenagers portrayed nowadays by the media, and by cinema in particular? "Their image is too often turned into a negative show, while all youth's potentials and creativity are left out to make space to scandals and violence. In fact, by pretending commitment and responsibility from them, you achieve great results."

Attilio grew up in Milano. His first passion, as a young boy, was the theatre. "I used to distribute magazines around the city's theatres. There I soon became aware of my dream." How did you get to cinema sets? "I made several experiences, above all in the theatrical field. I attended a school and for many years I devoted myself to dance as well. Then, as dozens of other directors, I undertook commercials. As for cinema, a turning point was the meeting with Marina Spada. I was her assistant director in 'Forza cani': she taught me a lot. Before directing a movie myself, however, I shot a good number of short films, some of which even self financed."

The beginnings do not seem to have been smooth. According to you, is Milano a good place for a would-be film director? "Actually, it is not the most suitable city for artists because of its productive frenzy. Indeed, most of the local movies that make a name for themselves are independent and borderline works. In spite of this, I've been traveling quite a lot, both in Italy and abroad, and for the time being here I feel I can do what I like, also thanks to my close staff."