The issue of citizenship for second-generation immigrants is explored in a new film called "The Encounter," which tells the story of an adolescent of Moroccan origin who identifies more with Italy than with the country of his parents.
Ius soli, adolescence and integration are the protagonists of "The encounter" (L'incontro), a short film directed by Alessandro Rossi and Michele Mellara reflecting on the theme of "new Italians" through the story of a boy in search of his identity.
It is one of 23 projects to have won the competition "Migrarti," launched by the Italian culture minister to raise awareness on the theme of migration. The film premiered at the international film festival in Venice.
"The Encounter" is the story of Amin, an adolescent of Moroccan origin who is passionate about boxing. Amin has to prepare for a junior title boxing match in Bologna and he needs to concentrate before stepping into the ring. However, he is disturbed repeatedly by friends and family with their various problems, as well as by the lawyer who is assisting him with his citizenship procedure.
"We involved associations and projects working with foreigners in Bologna and collected their stories," Mellara told ANSA about the making of the film. "We wanted to tell the story of an adolescent who is to all effects Italian, to portray a youngster with weaknesses and insecurities, told in the manner of a comedy that invites laughter, but which also makes you think."
A short film to reflect on citizenship
The movie grew out of the "reality of these youngsters, some of whom appear in the film even though they are not professional actors," Rossi explained. Except for the actor Bob Messini, the cast is made up entirely of young people whose background is similar to that of the characters in the film: "kids who are experiencing difficulties in adolescence and identity problems, with different languages and traditions to navigate," the filmmakers say, adding that what emerges is "a parallel world that is looking for continual adjustment in daily life. It is important to narrate this different Italy."
At a time when Italy is debating the issue of citizenship for foreigners with the draft law on "Ius soli", the film "raises questions by inviting a smile and reflection on what it means to be Italian," Mellara explained, referring to the draft law, which if passed, could guarantee citizenship rights for migrant children.