Greta Scarano, 'I love the female gaze in cinema'

Greta Scarano, born in Rome thirty-eight years ago and who won the Nastro d'argento for best directorial debut with her first film, 'La vita dei grandi', tells ANSA about the future, favorite directors, female gaze, idiosyncrasies, Gaza and passion for animals. Here is a summary of the interview.

"I'm very happy about the award - she says immediately - because I didn't expect it. And then when someone recognizes the value of the things you've done it's always important". What is the 'female gaze' in cinema for her? "Difficult to answer - says the actress who debuted on TV in 2007 with 'Un posto al Sole' -. There are directors who, in my opinion, have an extremely feminine gaze. I think of Baumbach, one of my favorite directors, I think of Ettore Scola in films like 'La famiglia'. However, I appreciate all those female directors who know how to touch very deep chords like Tamara Jenkins and Jane Champion. In short, I think we need both gazes".

Favorite directors? "Besides Baumbach, already mentioned, I grew up with Quentin Tarantino, Kubrick and I love Lanthimos. I also love Tamara Jenkins films like 'Private Life', or 'Savages' which was a reference for 'The Lives of the Great'.

Are you thinking about directing another film? "I'm trying to figure out what to do, but definitely something that allows me to tell what touches me personally, what I feel empathy for". In 'La vita da grandi' you tell a story of autism. Is there anything that inspired you? "No, but I've always been attracted to neuro-divergent people, people who have a strong personality, also because normality - she adds - is not really known what it is".

What do you think about the cuts to cinema? "I believe that culture is fundamental for a nation. There are certainly things that don't work, but they should be criticized and corrected without throwing mud at a category that employs so many people. Treating it in this way I find something truly exorbitantly base."

The future of cinema? "I have great faith in small exhibitors, after accompanying my film, La vita da grandi' around Italy I discovered the passion, love, and enthusiasm that I saw in those who manage small cinemas. Something that gives confidence in the future of the theater and cinema."

What is it that you can't tolerate in others? "There are many things that I can't tolerate, but above all injustice at all levels. I hate rude people, people who aren't kind. Seeing injustice every day hurts me a lot, it depresses me. Just think of Gaza. The Palestinian question is truly ancient, and it is the greatest injustice, a scandalous thing. Those who have a voice, like me, even if it's not a giant voice, must use it as a megaphone to amplify the truth a little. Every day on Instagram I post my vision of things about Gaza and then I go to pro-Palestine demonstrations, even when there are only a few of us and even with the belly I have now (Scarano is expecting a child with her husband Sydney Sibilia).

In fact, right now I'm doing something beautiful. I'm recording an audiobook by Francesca Albanese of her novel essay 'When the world sleeps. Stories, words and wounds of Palestine'".

What would she like to do if she wasn't in the world of cinema? "I love nature and all animals and dogs so much, maybe I would do something that combines these passions of mine."