Just Cinema Ph © Michele Illuzzi

On May 21, 2025, the Cannes Film Festival spotlight turned toward Italian cinema as the cast of "Fuori", directed by Mario Martone, stepped in front of photographers for the film’s official photocall. Presented in competition, the film marked one of Italy’s key entries this year, drawing attention for both its subject matter and the strength of its ensemble.

Leading the cast, Valeria Golino appeared alongside Matilda De Angelis and Elodie, forming the emotional core of the film. They were joined by actors including Corrado Fortuna, Stefano Dionisi, and Antonio Gerardi, completing a group that reflects the film’s layered and character-driven narrative. The atmosphere at the photocall was composed and focused, with the cast presenting a united front that mirrored the themes of connection and shared experience explored on screen.

"Fuori" tells the story of writer Goliarda Sapienza, portrayed by Golino, set in Rome in 1980. After being imprisoned for theft, Sapienza encounters a group of young inmates whose presence profoundly changes her life. What begins as a moment of personal collapse gradually transforms into a journey of rediscovery. Following their release, the women maintain a close bond, particularly the intense relationship between Goliarda and Roberta (De Angelis), a repeat offender and political activist. Through these connections, the protagonist finds renewed purpose and the strength to return to writing.

The film blends biographical elements with a broader reflection on freedom, identity, and female solidarity, drawing from Sapienza’s own writings about her time in prison. Its narrative moves between confinement and openness—both physical and emotional—capturing a period of transformation in the protagonist’s life.

For Mario Martone, Cannes is familiar ground. Over the years, the Italian director has returned multiple times to the festival, presenting works that often explore history, identity, and personal memory. His presence in the 2025 competition with Fuori reinforces his ongoing relationship with the Croisette, where his films have consistently found both critical attention and an international audience.

The May 21 photocall offered a first close look at a film that combines intimate storytelling with historical context. Without excess or spectacle, the cast and director conveyed a sense of quiet confidence—suggesting a project rooted in reflection, performance, and the enduring search for meaning beyond the boundaries of convention.

Stefania Veneri