On April 15, 2025, the miniseries "Fuochi d'artificio" premiered on Rai 1, marking a significant moment in Italian television as it celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Liberation with a poignant narrative centered around youth and resilience during World War II. Directed by Susanna Nicchiarelli and based on the book by Andrea Bouchard, the series unfolds in the picturesque yet turbulent backdrop of the Piedmontese Alps in 1944.
The story follows four young protagonists—Marta, Davide, Sara, and Marco—who, amidst the chaos of war, dream of a brighter future. Tired of being treated like children, they decide to take action by secretly aiding the partisans and adopting the identity of the legendary Sandokan, a symbol of rebellion against the oppressive fascist and Nazi forces.
Andrea Bouchard, born in Milan on April 1, 1965, has crafted a narrative that resonates deeply with his own family history. In a recent interview, he revealed that many of the events that inspired "Fuochi d'artificio" stem from stories shared by his parents, who were just children during the war. He recounted, "I would start with the many stories from my parents, their emotionally strong experiences, even though they were only 9 and 14 years old in 1945; moving through other family tales, like those about Willy Jervis, who was my great-uncle."
Bouchard's literary journey began in earnest in 2008, with the publication of his first book, "Acqua dolce," which won the fourth edition of the Rome Libraries Prize in 2010 for the 8-10 age group. His subsequent works, including "Magica Amicizia" and "Ho ingoiato il sole," have further established him as a notable voice in children's literature. However, it was "Fuochi d'artificio," released in 2015, that truly captured the spirit of resistance among the youth during fascism in Italy.
The miniseries consists of six episodes, each lasting approximately 50 minutes, and is produced by Fandango-Matrioska in collaboration with Rai Fiction, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Film Commission Torino Piemonte. The first two episodes were made available for streaming on RaiPlay ahead of the television premiere, allowing audiences to engage with the story at their convenience.
In the first episode, viewers are introduced to Marta, a twelve-year-old girl with a passion for singing, who finds herself inadvertently swept into the world of resistance alongside her brother Davide. The duo exploits their youthful innocence, as children are less likely to be searched by German soldiers, to assist the partisans. Their adventures quickly escalate, leading them to undertake increasingly dangerous missions.
As the narrative progresses, the stakes rise dramatically when Sara, one of their closest friends, is captured by the fascists. This pivotal moment forces Marta to confront her fears and push forward in the fight for freedom, aided by Vittorio, a young partisan with whom she develops a close bond. The series artfully balances the harsh realities of war with the innocence of childhood, showcasing the courage and determination of young people in the face of overwhelming odds.
Nicchiarelli, in discussing the genesis of the series, expressed her admiration for Bouchard's work, stating, "The whole project was born from a love for Andrea Bouchard's book. Until now, there have been no television or cinematic products with a popular, family-oriented approach to the Resistance, speaking in such simple yet profound terms." This sentiment underscores the series' aim to make the history of the Resistance accessible to a younger audience, bridging generational gaps.
The cast features a mix of fresh young talent and established actors, including Anna Losano as Marta, Luca Charles Brucini as Davide, Carlotta Dosi as Sara, and Lorenzo Enrico as Marco. Notable adult actors include Carla Signoris and Bebo Storti, who portray Marta's concerned grandparents, and Alessandro Tedeschi, who plays her father, an engineer secretly working for the National Liberation Committee.
In terms of character development, the young actors have embraced their roles, with Losano highlighting how Nicchiarelli encouraged them to infuse their personalities into their characters. "Susanna allowed us to put ourselves into each character," she noted. Lorenzo Enrico echoed this sentiment, sharing that he found similarities between himself and Marco, while Luca Cias Brucini drew on his relationships with his own sisters to inform his portrayal of Davide.
The series not only aims to entertain but also to educate viewers on the importance of resilience and the fight for freedom, making it a significant addition to Italian television. The final episode will air on April 25, 2025, coinciding with Liberation Day, a fitting conclusion to a narrative that celebrates courage and the indomitable spirit of youth.
As the first episode unfolds, audiences are invited to witness the trials and tribulations faced by these young characters, who embody the hope and tenacity of a generation that dared to dream of a world free from tyranny. With its blend of adventure, historical context, and relatable characters, "Fuochi d'artificio" promises to leave a lasting impact on viewers of all ages.
Ultimately, Bouchard expressed his satisfaction with the series adaptation, despite some artistic differences, stating, "I am happy that the television series was made because it extends the audience for the story and recognizes the relevance of the topic. My goal was to reach young people with accessible words, and I've seen that it has resonated with adults as well."
