“Thanks Michele” an Italian film qualified for the Oscar nominations which talks about
disability.
In Los Angeles, everyone is talking about this cinematic gem by Rosario ERRICO.
In the audience in Hollywood, important professionals and stars.
On December 5, on the occasion of the International Day of People with Disability, the Italian
Cultural Institute with the support of the Italian Consulate of Los Angeles and in collaboration
with Leaps n Boundz, presented the short film:
“THANKS MICHELE” (English title)
“Thanks Michele” directed by Rosario Errico and produced by Immagine Corporation
Production with RAI Cinema with the contribution of MIC, Nuovo Imaie, Lazio Region.
Executive producer Antonella Salvucci.
At the special screening at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles various personalities
attended.
The director of the Italian Cultural Institute Emanuele Amendola did the honors together with
the Italian Consul General Raffaella Valentini and the video message from the Minister of
Disabilities Hon. Alessandra Locatelli.
After the sold-out screening, there was applause on stage open. Also in the audience was
the musician Romina Arena who has worked with the Maestro Morricone and she is the
winner of two Grammy Awards.
After greetings from the Director of the Institute and the consul general of Italy , the director
Rosario Errico, who won multiple awards with “Thanks Michele” including the Festival
Tulipani di Seta Nera (co-organized by Rai Cinema) and subsequently the prestigious
Golden Globe 2023 in Italy , he took the stage together with Antonella Salvucci as
executive producer.
The work was conceived and written to give light and importance to people with disability, in
order to overcome through images and words, the retrograde concepts of discrimination
towards disabled minorities by exalting on the contrary, in a manner simple and direct, the
ability, moral strength, purity and support that certain people can give gifts to those who are
physically luckier.
Effectively transforming the barriers of disability into an important constructive value for the
growth of children of all ages.
“Thanks Michele” features Valerio Catoia, suffering from syndrome down, swimmer of the
Fiamme Gialle who was named Standard Bearer of the Republic
on behalf of President Sergio Mattarella, for saving a girl who was drowning in the sea and
honorary policeman by the Chief of Police Dr.Lamberto Giannini.
The co-protagonist: actor and dancer Andrea Salcone also suffers from Down syndrome.
In addition , the cast is made up of: Andrea Roncato, Antonella Ponziani (last muse by
Federico Fellini), Luca Lionello, Massimiliano Buzzanca, Alessio Errico, Kletia Rusi.
The technical cast includes director of photography Blasco Giurato , Oscar-winning for the
film
“Cinema Paradiso” by Giuseppe Tornatore, the editor Ugo Rossi who has collaborated with
great directors in famous films including Ginger and Fred by Federico Fellini, the set
designer Alfonso Rastelli, the costume designer Maria Fassari and the musician composer
Maria Chiara Casà who created the soundtrack.
Here’s the plot:
Michele is a boy with Down syndrome who loves to live life in a cheerful way and carefree,
always smiling in the face of fate. With his inseparable friend Adriano, a paraplegic teenager,
always sad because of his handicap.
In a world where the “disabled” do not feel included, Michele will demonstrate that with the
smile and altruism you can give a lot to others and, like a young Cyrano de
Bergerac will try to transform the sadness of his friend Adriano into joy and love for the life.
In the end , Michele’s joy and positivity slowly manage to transform Adriano’s life.
Michele’s father, marshal of the Army of the Carabinieri, who continually complains about his
son’s excessive liveliness.
It will be there Adriano’s mother to open the marshal’s eyes, revealing the importance of the
figure of Michele, source of joy and positivity and symbol of equality between people.
