Tonight marks the premiere of the new season of Le Ragazze on Rai 3, hosted by Francesca Fialdini. The program shines a spotlight on the stories of women from various generations, from the 1940s to the present, offering insight and reflection on their significant contributions to history and society.
The first episode, airing on February 18, 2025, features the remarkable story of Sandra Gilardelli, a centenarian who played her part during the Second World War. Born in 1925, Sandra experienced the chaos of conflict firsthand as her family was forced to flee from bombed-out Milan to Pian Nava, near Lake Maggiore. There, inspired by her father’s teachings about freedom and bravery, she decided to join the partisans fighting against Nazism. Sandra's courage and determination make her the ideal representative to open this season, as her testimony encapsulates the spirit of liberation and resilience.
Following Sandra, viewers will be introduced to Barbara Piattelli, born in 1952, who has her own harrowing tale from the 1980s. At the age of 27, Barbara was kidnapped right before her mother’s eyes, thrusting her family and the nation through one of the longest and most dramatic kidnappings for ransom involving a woman in Italy’s history. Her story underlines the fear and societal tensions of the era, as the Italian public avidly followed her case for 343 long days, showcasing both the vulnerabilities and tenacity of the female spirit.
Next is Elisabetta Viviani, born in 1955, who became famous for her role as the voice of Heidi in the Italian version of the classic anime. Her path to fame started with participation in popular television spots known as Caroselli, and her story reflects the cultural shifts of her time, connecting her personal triumphs to the broader movements within Italian entertainment.
Moving on to the 1980s, Simonetta Gianfelici's name shines brightly as she became one of the most iconic top models of her time. With her stunning looks and captivating presence, she walked the runways for legendary designers like Gianni Versace and Vivienne Westwood. Simonetta's experience also offers insights about the changing perceptions of beauty and femininity during her era, emphasizing the behind-the-scenes struggles many models faced.
The season also features Eva Meksi, who was born in Albania during the reign of oppression. Her story took an impactful turn as she embarked on her escape to Italy aboard the Vlora, one of the largest migration episodes recorded, where nearly 20,000 Albanians fled their country seeking freedom and opportunity. This poignant narrative serves as both personal testimony and greater commentary on the realities of immigration during the 1990s.
Throughout Le Ragazze, Francesca Fialdini guides the audience through these powerful stories, tying individual experiences to the larger narrative of Italian society's evolution. Each episode promises to evoke reflection on historical events through the eyes of women who lived through them, allowing for both nostalgic moments and enlightening insights.
The series will air every Tuesday, and viewers can also catch it on streaming platforms like RaiPlay. It aims to remind us of the rich fabric of women's experiences across decades, celebrating their strength, struggles, and achievements.