On March 24, 2025, the biopic "Champagne" about iconic Italian singer Peppino di Capri will premiere on Rai 1, showcasing the remarkable life and musical journey of Giuseppe Faiella, known to many as Peppino di Capri. Directed by Cinzia TH Torrini, this film takes viewers through his early career, starting from his childhood during the war years.
The film begins in 1943, when a four-year-old Peppino, gifted with absolute pitch, plays the piano for American soldiers stationed on his native island of Capri. Fast forward to 1973, viewers will witness his incredible rise to fame as he wins the prestigious Sanremo Festival with his touching ballad "Un grande amore e niente più." This film not only narrates his personal and professional evolution but also encapsulates a critical period in Italian history.
The film features a talented cast, with the lead role of Peppino portrayed by Francesco Del Gaudio, while youthful Peppino is brought to life by child prodigy Alessandro Gervasio, who recently impressed audiences during the Sanremo Festival. Supporting characters include Arianna Di Claudio as Roberta Stoppa, who was pivotal in his life, and Gaja Masciale playing Giuliana Gagliardi, his second love.
Spanning nearly three decades, "Champagne" takes the audience from Peppino's innocent start performing in local clubs to his heartbreaks and personal struggles, including his turbulent relationship with Roberta. This romance serves as the inspiration for his famous song "Roberta," illustrating how deeply his personal life influenced his artistic output.
The film highlights his struggles in the 1960s when musical tastes shifted towards social commentary and political engagement, leaving Peppino's colorful twist and rock style behind. As his popularity dwindled, he faced the threat of being forgotten by the industry, compounded by personal woes, including his separation from Roberta.
Yet, the film also serves as a narrative of resilience. Encouraged by his childhood friend and drummer Bebè, played by Gianluca Di Gennaro, and finding stability in a new love with Giuliana, Peppino reinvents himself. He founds his own record label and collaborates with acclaimed songwriter Franco Califano to create the ballad that would not only revive his career but redefine it.
According to Torrini, "I wanted to show the dark side, the more intimate part that is unknown... because, for me, in my films, the audience must feel emotions, identify, and mirror themselves." This duality of joy and heartache reflects the essence of so many lives intertwined with music and love.
The filming locations of "Champagne" are as much a character in the story as Peppino himself. Scenes were shot throughout Campania, highlighting the stunning settings of Naples and Capri. From the historic Galleria Umberto I to the intimate Villa Filangieri, these locales provide a rich backdrop to Peppino's early performances and pivotal moments.
The iconic Piazzetta of Capri, a social hub for artists and tourists, is also featured, reminding viewers of the cultural significance of this enchanting island in the backdrop of Peppino's life. Torrini's attention to detail is evident, aiming to recreate the exact atmosphere of the era while faithfully narrating Peppino's journey.
As the film concludes with Peppino's triumphant return to the stage at Sanremo, it encapsulates not only a musical victory but a personal renaissance. In a touching video message, Peppino remarked, "Thank you, Cinzia, and all the actors for making my life a film. I hope the audience feels the same emotion as I do. Bye everyone."
Through "Champagne," audiences are invited to experience Peppino di Capri's story—a tale of talent, love, and resilience that speaks to the heart of Italian musical history, offering echoes not only of his life but also of a country eager for renewal after the turmoil of war.
As the credits roll, viewers will certainly feel the pulse of an artist who has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, making the airwaves sing with his timeless melodies across generations.
