February 2025 marks the debut of the highly anticipated television series 'Miss Fallaci', showcasing the early life of the renowned journalist Oriana Fallaci, played by the talented Miriam Leone. Set against the backdrop of the late 1950s, this miniseries, produced by Paramount Television International Studios and Minerva Pictures, will premiere on Rai 1 on February 18, with eight episodes airing over four prime time slots.
The series has generated buzz since its initial presentation at the Festa del Cinema di Roma on October 21, 2024. It reflects the significant milestones of Fallaci's career during her formative years as she transitioned from simply being regarded as 'the girl from the cinema' to becoming one of the most influential figures in journalism.
Throughout 'Miss Fallaci', viewers will witness Fallaci's transformative experiences during her first trip to the United States, where she had the opportunity to interact with iconic personalities of the era. This not only allowed her to provide acerbic and often ironic portrayals of American society and the glitzy world of Hollywood but also marked the beginning of her path to becoming one of Italy’s most recognized journalists.
At the heart of the narrative lies Fallaci's tumultuous relationship with her colleague Alfredo Pieroni, portrayed by Maurizio Lastrico. Their relationship is laden with passion but also fraught with insecurities and personal struggles, which contribute to Fallaci's spiral of self-destruction amid her ambitious pursuits. The series will explore these intimate facets of her life, allowing viewers to understand the complexity of her character and the motivations driving her ambitions.
Leone's preparation for the role has been clearly dedicated, as she delves deep not only to embody Fallaci’s physical mannerisms but also the emotional undercurrents of her experiences. The actress noted her excitement about tackling such an iconic character and emphasized the societal dimensions of portraying such forceful femininity. "She did not identify as feminist, but to me, there’s nothing more feminist than independent women pursuing their passion and work," Leone remarked, capturing the essence of Fallaci's spirit.
The cast of 'Miss Fallaci' features notable figures such as Jóhannes Haukur Jóhannesson as Orson Welles, alongside Francesca Agostini, Francesco Colella, Leonardo Lidi, and others contributing to the rich narrative fabric of the era. The directors of the series, Alessandra Gonnella, Giacomo Martelli, and Luca Ribuoli, worked alongside Miriam Leone to bring authenticity to the storytelling.
Gonnella, who had previously directed Leone in the award-winning short film 'A Cup of Coffee with Marilyn' back in 2019, draws on biographical sketches from Fallaci's seminal writings, including her influences and the challenges she faced as she struggled to carve her niche within the male-dominated journalism field.
The series is particularly timely, reflecting current dialogues on gender dynamics within professional landscapes, making it resonate with modern viewers as well. The depiction of Fallaci's fight for recognition against societal expectations and her relentless pursuit of truth makes her story relevant even today, showcasing how far female journalists have come and the battles still fought.
Expectations surrounding 'Miss Fallaci' have been high, with the show's production aiming not just to retell events but to present them through the lens of dynamic storytelling and character-driven narratives. The series is anticipated to elicit discussions on the challenges faced by women as they strive for autonomy and respect, especially within the media landscapes where perception and representation are pivotal.
After its premiere, 'Miss Fallaci' holds the potential to expand viewership opportunities and provoke dialogue around Fallaci's life work, spurring renewed interest in her books and essays. This series not only aims to contribute to the legacy of Oriana Fallaci but also to inspire the next generation of journalists and storytellers.
With its launch, 'Miss Fallaci' is poised to be more than just entertainment—it aspires to serve as both reflection and inspiration, reviving the fierce spirit of one of journalism’s most compelling stories.