About A Chiara

"A Chiara" is a 2021 Italian drama film directed by Jonas Carpignano. The movie tells the story of a teenager named Chiara, who has a seemingly ordinary life in a small town in Calabria, Italy, until her father disappears. When her father, a respected member of the local Mafia, disappears under mysterious circumstances, Chiara's world is shattered, leading her into a hidden underworld of criminality and violence as she tries to discover what happened to him.

Making / Production

The film was shot on location in the Calabria region of Italy, providing an authentic backdrop to the story. The gritty realism of the film was achieved through a combination of professional actors and local non-actors, adding to the film's unique, atmospheric style.

Actors

• Swamy Rotolo as Chiara: Rotolo carries much of the film on her shoulders, providing a grounded, affecting performance as the titular Chiara.
• Aniello Arena as Nicola: Arena, as Chiara's father, brings a sense of maturity and complexity to his role, depicting a man who is both a loving father and an involved member of the Mafia.
• Artem Tkachuk as Arcangelo: Tkachuk provides a rough-around-the-edges charm as Arcangelo, Chiara's older brother who helps her navigate the treacherous underworld.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film premiered at the 2021 Locarno International Film Festival.
• A Chiara is the second part of what director Jonas Carpignano calls "a trilogy about growing up in Calabria."
• The soundtrack of the movie was composed by Pino Donaggio, who is known for his work with Brian De Palma.

Awards

A Chiara has been well-received critically, winning several awards. Most notably, it won the Grand Prix at the 2021 Locarno International Film Festival.

Quotes

• "In this place, everyone betrays each other." - Chiara
• "Remember, you are your father's daughter. You are strong." - Arcangelo

Music, Soundtrack

• "Sotto i cieli di Calabria" - Performed by Pino Donaggio
• "Through the Shadows" - Composed and performed by Pino Donaggio
• "Chiara's Theme" - An original piece also composed by Donaggio for Chiara's character journey in the film.

Note: The choice of both contemporary and time-relevant music adds depth to the storytelling process, enhancing the overall viewing experience of "A Chiara".