Competing in the international category of the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, “Vittoria” is an 83-minute feature directed by Alessandro Cassi
Competing in the international category of the 45th Cairo International Film Festival, “Vittoria” is an 83-minute feature directed by Alessandro Cassigoli and Casey Kauffman. This powerful film, inspired by true events and featuring non-professional actors, weaves an intimate story of hope, resilience, and the pursuit of a dream that transcends societal expectations.
Set in Torre Annunziata on the scenic Bay of Naples, the story follows Yasmin, a dedicated hairdresser who shares a life with her husband and two sons. Despite a stable and loving household, she harbors an unfulfilled dream—to adopt a daughter. This longing manifests in recurring dreams where her late father gently guides a little girl towards her. Seeking answers, Yasmin consults both a fortune teller and her physician, ultimately deciding that adoption is her path forward.
Marilena Amato, who plays Yasmin, bravely brings her own personal experiences to the screen, infusing the narrative with authentic emotion. Directors Cassigoli and Kauffman, captivated by her story, returned to Torre Annunziata to invite Marilena and her family to portray themselves in this unique cinematic endeavor.
Yasmin’s husband, Gennaro “Rino” Scarcaiaca, was initially resistant to the idea of adoption—a conflict that resonates deeply throughout the film. Watching the couple navigate disagreements, reconcile, and face cultural biases head-on provides viewers with an honest portrayal of their struggle. Their journey is both deeply personal and universally relatable as they confront the complex bureaucracy, emotional toll, and economic strain of international adoption.
Set against the backdrop of Yasmin and her sister Anita seeking compensation for their father’s death from years of working at a steel factory in Bagnoli, “Vittoria” explores themes of loss and hope. Rino’s dream of opening a carpentry shop in Capri and their eldest son Vincenzo’s tentative support add further layers to this family’s story, showcasing the dynamics of love, ambition, and cautious optimism.
The turning point comes as Yasmin, encouraged yet aware of the obstacles ahead, heads to Rome to initiate the adoption process. The path is filled with challenges, including resistance from her mother-in-law, whose signature is needed to move forward. The film’s narrative, marked by time skips, eventually leads to a poignant conclusion in Belarus after months of waiting and perseverance.
With dialogue delivered in a local dialect and translated with precision, the film’s raw exchanges enhance its documentary-like authenticity. The directing and editing, shaped by Cassigoli’s background as a documentary filmmaker for ARTE in Berlin and Kauffman’s experience as a field journalist for Al Jazeera in the Middle East, bring a depth and intensity that keeps the audience engaged.
“Vittoria” is more than a film about adoption; it is a testament to the power of dreams, the bonds of family, and the tenacity needed to overcome societal barriers in pursuit of happiness.
Nabil Alani – Cairo International Film Festival 2024
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