What is the best thing that I love about my work?
I love the possibility to tell stories and to create a message in ever varying form.
Also, I think reaching an audience and entertaining people is a great way to share a part of my life.
What is my idea of happiness?
My idea of happiness embraces love for art and nature, and means to take care of my family. However, happiness is not a continuous flow, so all that matters is how many happy moments we can collect in our life. We translate the “happy pills” in memories.
What is my greatest fear?
My greatest fear is to meet people that are devious end not honest. At the same time, they wear a very proof mask.
What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?
The inclination to see the glass half-empty. So I should improve and pour more wine!
Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?
I really admire Yorgos Lanthimos and his successful attempt to shift films into an entirely different zone of poetic strangeness, where we don’t find conventional answers.
What is my greatest extravagance?
The phantasmagorical stories that I see in my dreams.
On what occasion would I lie?
When someone in front of me can’t understand the truth.
What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?
Sometimes relations are more important than skills.
When and where was I the happiest, in my work?
When I find that idea that can resolve a drama, or the structure of a scene, I feel something like a spark.
When everyone on the troupe has the same understanding there is great magic.
If I could, what would I change about myself?
I could be more rational and less emotional.
What is my greatest achievement in work?
Generally when a short movie or a script is chosen by a Festival and it creates a happy audience.
Where would I most like to live?
I would like to live by the sea. Maybe in Barcelona, or in a little island. For two years… Because there isn’t a perfect place: we ourselves are constantly changing as we move through life. Moving to New York alone in your twenties is cool, moving in a small Portuguese village with your man in your sixties is cool too.
What is my most treasured possession?
The letters I exchanged with friends at seven years old. A precious correspondence!
What is my most marked characteristic?
I guess to be curious.
But this is a complicated question for me. One characteristic can be the product of several elements interrelated to create a dynamic.
What is my most inspirational location, in my city?
Porta Portese is a Roman flea market, and is definitely worthwhile on a sunny day. Sort through trinkets, watches, pottery, bicycles, kitchen gadgets, Olivetti typewriters, books and jewelers… Watching local people that argue a lot for a good deal is also quite entertaining!
What is my favorite place to eat and drink, in my city?
Every corner of Rome can be an enogastronomic surprise. Close to the Vatican, there is a street, Via Andrea Doria, that maintains its charm of Bell’Epoque. I really like to have dinner with a good glass of wine in a little pub on this evocative street.
What books influenced my life and how?
“To kill a Mockingbird”, by Harper Lee, is one of the best novels I have ever read. Moving, full of humanity and kindness. Its amazing insights and powerful message against racism are inspiring and genuine. I think this book has left me with a broader view of things that made my world without prejudice.
You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?
David Bowie
Pulp
Beatles
I realize now that each of them is British.
Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?
Lately, I love the character of Lisbon, from “La casa de papel”. Charismatic, strong and emotional at the same time.
Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?
In this historical moment, I especially admire the great women that every day save the world: doctors, volunteers, nurses.
Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?
“Kapò”. It is a 1960 Italian film about the Holocaust directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. It was nominated for the Academy Award as Best Foreign Language Film. I think this movie explains perfectly the real drama of a Jewish girl who is divided from human principles and sense of survival.
What role plays art in my life and work?
Art means inspiration, it is the line that connects my life and work.
What do the words ‘You are the storyteller of your own life’ to me?
It sounds like a declaration of responsibility: we have the power to decide what actions will happen in our movie-life, what movements ours characters do, how much our plot will be adventurous.
Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?
My last partner in crime is a good writer, her name is Laura Fletcher.
Which people or companies would I like to work with in 2020? I would really like to work with smart and creative producers. This is at the basis of everything in this field of work.
What project, in 2020, am I looking forward to work on?
On a documentary about a border story that I have just written.
Where can you see me or my work in 2020?
You can see some documentaries on Rai broadcaster’s website, and my short movies in some Italian and international festivals for filmmaker.
And here, if you want a taste:
What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?
Passion is a mate, sometimes a little intrusive, but it is something I can’t do without. So, a project never ended, and I always think about how it could be better. Even during the night. Maybe that’s the way I have impressive dreams!
How can you contact me?
https://www.facebook.com/virginia.bellizzi.9
The Heroine's Journey 