The David di Donatello Awards, recognized as the most prestigious film awards in Italy, are gearing up for their 2025 edition, highlighting the talent and creativity of Italian filmmakers. Among the notable nominees is Francisco Saia, a promising 26-year-old director from Castroreale, who is competing for Best Emerging Director with his film 'Il ladro di stelle cadenti.'
'Il ladro di stelle cadenti,' produced by Horcynus Productions, was filmed predominantly around Milazzo and Castroreale and is based on the novel of the same name by Patrizia Vicari. Saia's work stands out not only for the story it tells but also for its scenic backdrop, showcasing the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of these areas.
This marks Saia's first entry at the David di Donatello Awards with a feature film, having previously been recognized with three short films. He expressed his excitement, stating, 'I am honored to be competing for the David di Donatello Awards, the most important film awards in Italy, especially as Best Emerging Director. This is my first selection for a feature film—hence, it is double the satisfaction for me. Besides me, many of my crew members are nominated across various categories, and I would be thrilled if any of us made it to the final selection or, who knows, even win the award.'
Saia's film is nominated for several awards, including Best Original Screenplay (to Paolo Picciolo), Best Cinematography (to Andrea and Gabriele Bizzoni), Best Actor (to Jacopo Rampini), Best Actress (to Clizia Fornasier), Best Supporting Actor (to Leandro Baroncini), and Best Supporting Actress (to Denise McNee). The recognition of such diverse talent within Saia's film provides insight not just to his prowess as a director but also to the strength of his team.
The film industry is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the David di Donatello Awards, which are scheduled to celebrate excellence in filmmaking and storytelling. The competition is fierce, and each nominee brings their unique vision to the table. Saia's representation of Milazzo and Castroreale is particularly poignant as he aims to shine the spotlight on the natural beauty and cultural heritage of these Sicilian locations.
Competing alongside Saia is Samuele Rossi, who has made waves with his documentary titled 'Prima della fine. Gli ultimi giorni di Enrico Berlinguer.' This film commemorates the life of the prominent political figure Enrico Berlinguer, utilizing archival material, including never-before-seen footage, to reconstruct the final days of Berlinguer—culminated by his dramatic collapse during a speech and the subsequent state funeral.
Reported by Sky Documentaries and produced by Rossi and Giuseppe Cassaro, this documentary has already been noted for its compelling narrative and significant cultural impact. Recently, the film was also selected for the Premio Nastri d’Argento – Cinema del Reale 2025, competing against 185 submissions for Best Documentary Film.
Rossi articulated his emotions about the selection, saying, 'It's hard to describe the emotion of this selection just days after the recognition for the David Awards. We've spent years working on the dream of creating this film which holds deep personal significance for us. Knowing it has been recognized among the best by Italy's two most prestigious awards is tremendously gratifying and motivates us to keep pushing forward.'
He emphasized his commitment to authentic cinema, stating, 'It is no longer just about passion, but about duty toward the cultural system of our country, which has faced significant challenges recently. We need authentic cinema.' Rossi's sentiments echo the belief among filmmakers about the importance of storytelling and cultural representation, particularly at this time of upheaval and change.
Both Saia and Rossi represent the new wave of Italian cinema, and their works add to the diversity of storytelling presented at the David di Donatello Awards. With Saia's touching narrative about star thieves and Rossi's explorative documentary on Berlinguer, audiences can expect varied perspectives and rich narratives.
The David di Donatello Awards present not only an opportunity to honor these filmmakers but also to celebrate the essence of Italian cultural identity through film. With nominations spanning numerous categories, the awards ceremony promises to be filled with emotion and excitement.
For the filmmakers, the road to recognition at the David di Donatello Awards 2025 is paved with dedication and passion, offering them both the platform and the audience ready to embrace their stories. This year’s competition is shaping up to be one of reflection, creativity, and bold artistic statements, setting the stage for the future of Italian cinema.