Arianna

“I often wake up at night in the shoes of a woman much older than me,” said film director Carlo Lavagna in a recent interview. His first fiction feature, ARIANNA, is a remarkable incarnation of a meaningful and symbolic dream, a stunning portrait of a bright, beautiful intersex woman and her investigation into her own personal history. Now in her late teens, Arianna returns to her early childhood home in lush, rural Italy. She spends much of her time in front of mirrors, observing that her body is maturing at a seemingly “unnatural” pace. A series of encounters with locals, including those she knew as a child, suggest she is somehow different from other girls. This deliberate, atmospheric coming-of-age tale is a giant leap forward for the onscreen exploration of gender identity. The film is anchored by an unforgettable performance from newcomer Ondina Quadri and thoughtful direction by Carlo Lavagna. (In Italian with subtitles) –C.P.