‘Vermiglio’ Writer-Director Maura Delpero Discusses Her Stunning Film: Italy’s Oscar Entry [VIDEO]

At this year’s Venice Film Festival Maura Delpero’s exquisite film, Vermiglio, won four awards including the Grand Jury Prize.

This cinematic work is a truly authentic and immersive look at a mountain family living in the remote Italian Alps village of Vermiglio, on the eve of the end of the second world war, where everyday survival matters take precedent over the actual battles being fought in the central mountains of Italy. That is, until two soldiers, one local and one Sicilian, escape the Germans and arrive in town.

The well-educated patriarch is also the town teacher (Tomasso Ragno). He has a dutiful wife, and they have eight children including the shy Lucia (Martina Scrinzi) who takes a fancy to the attractive Sicilian deserter, Pietro (Giuseppe De Domenico). They embark on an odd but loving courtship.

The eldest son Dino (terrific newcomer Patrick Gardner) may be the wisest offspring, although he’s father’s greatest disappointment. The middle daughter Ada is discovering her sexuality, with all the shame that comes with being female and Catholic during that time.

Vermiglio is broken into four seasonal segments and the cast features both trained and amateur actors, all blending perfectly together.

Delpero began her career directing two celebrated documentaries, Teachers in 2008 and Nadea and Sveta in 2012. In 2019, she made her feature film debut with the award-winning Maternal, which premiered at the 72nd Locarno Film Festival. Vermiglio is her second narrative feature.

Italy has received 30 nominations and has won 14 times (3 honorary). Last year Matteo Garrone’s Io capitano (2023) was among the five nominees.

Vermiglio opens in theaters on December 25, 2024.

The Contending had the pleasure of video-chatting with Delpero.