Crossing the dragon

2024, short-film, group home "L'Approdo", Rome, Italy

The boys from the group home "L'Approdo" of the Cooperative Spes Contra Spem, in the outskirts of Rome, have been involved in the creation of a short film. Through creative workshops and experiments with imaginative practices, the participants have actively taken part in every phase of the project. Starting from the story "The Killing of the Dragon" by Dino Buzzati, they transformed the tale into a personal narrative, altering its meaning and plot to express their experiences and vision of the world. The short film unfolds between fairy-tale atmospheres set in the white travertine quarries and the exploration of the neighborhood and significant places for the boys. The narrative addresses the complex dynamic between prey and predator, providing a solid foundation to explore universal themes such as the concept of enemy, understanding differences, and overcoming prejudices. This project represents a platform for the boys, allowing them to express the challenges they face and their personal experiences, using the symbolic language of the fairy tale to give strength and depth to their message. The figure of the dragon, initially perceived as a threat, invites reflection on preconceived ideas, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond appearances to discover the truth. The boys of L'Approdo are enclosed in the symbol of the dragon: like it, they cannot defend themselves, and like it, they are perceived as distant and remote. What the village knows of them, through voices and prejudices, is the image of a monster, a threat. However, in direct encounters, something completely different is revealed: a defenseless and docile being.

Sounds by Michele Febbraio Special thanks to the boys from the group home, Giuseppe Scarvaglieri, and the Society of Roman Travertine

Supported by the European platform Magic Carpets, Latitudo Art Projects