INTERVIEW with Francesco Campanini

Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?

It was an impulse to counter all the hatred that was unleashed online during the first lockdown in 2020. It was a moment to analyze the historical moment we were living through and to help make people understand that, if we want, we can all contribute to making this world a better place.

What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?

The desire to tell stories through images, the narrative, and the emotions I feel when I find a story that interests me very much.

What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?

The challenges were a lot, from finding a budget to choosing the settings that seemed most appropriate to represent the film's various themes. I did almost everything by myself, also to show that each of us can achieve any goal if we put our minds to it, despite all the difficulties we may face. It was a challenge within a challenge.

What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film?

Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?

There were moments when I was so fascinated by the place I was traveling around Italy that I lost myself in contemplation and time flew by in one second. The beauty of the world around us and being able to admire it without rushing or pressure were the most beautiful parts, reconnecting me with nature.

How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?

Above all, I want to convey that we must improve as individuals and as a community, that together we can be very strong, and that there is a solution to every problem. You just have to look for it.

What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?

Science fiction is definitely the genre that makes me dream the most. It has this power to make me travel to the furthest reaches of the known universe. It makes me dream. It makes me hope. It makes me search. The directors I'm particularly fond of are Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Joe Dante, James Cameron, Ridley Scott, Nick Castle, Randal Kleiser, Roland Emmerich, Zach Snyder, J.J. Abrams, and Mike Marvin.

How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?

By auditioning a lot and looking at their work for other directors. I always look for the best quality possible within the budget I have available.

How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?

think festivals are very important because they can give your work great visibility and exposure. For now, I'm satisfied with my past experiences and hope my work will be appreciated in the future.

Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?

The awards I've received for my films have made me very happy and are certainly a great driving force that pushes you to continue. The moment someone recognizes the value of your work, you know you've achieved your goal, and the worst memories of the long and winding process of producing it instantly disappears in the face of the overwhelming emotion you're feeling.

How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?

If the criticism is constructive and well-reasoned, I'm the first to consider different points of view, which can always be useful for future projects.

What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?

Writing the screenplay, when you have so many ideas and have to write them down and make them work, is a wonderful creative process. But what I definitely enjoy most is being on set and directing. It allows you to give shape to what was first in your head and then on paper.

How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?

Distribution is the most difficult part. It's very difficult to contact distribution companies, TV channels, and streaming services, and unfortunately home video is disappearing. There's a lot of competition, and there's so much beautiful work by other directors. You have to push through the many obstacles, but if you're very determined, you'll be able to reach the right people who will appreciate your work and the passion you've put into it.

What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?

To aspiring directors, I say: fight, don't stop believing, don't get stuck on one thing, ask for help, study the Art of moviemaking and how to direct actors, work as a team, and share your passion.

Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?

I’m currently finishing a documentary titled "The Pilotta Palace and the Farnese," which tells the story of the most important museum in Parma, Italy, the Pilotta Monumental Complex. I'm busy with this work and the distribution of the new film. Being an archaeology enthusiast, I'm also working on a new website dedicated to the history of ancient Rome and Italian archaeological sites. I've uploaded almost 3,000 photos and videos, but I still have 23,000 to add, which I'll do over time. For almost thirty years, I've been passionately trying to show the changes over time in these areas, especially those of the Roman Forum and the Imperial Fora.

I'd also like to write a story about this topic and then make a film about it.