The Beautiful Summer

Set in 1938 Turin, this lyrical coming-of-age story follows a young working-class woman navigating the throes of burgeoning adulthood amidst a tumultuous backdrop of pre-WWII Italy. Young seamstress Ginia (Yile Yara Vianello, LA CHIMERA IFF23) has recently arrived from the countryside and the future seems to offer endless possibilities. Searching for adventure, Ginia meets the sensual and provocative Amelia (model Deva Cassel in her film debut) and is introduced to the dazzling artistic world. Amelia is not much older than Ginia but is completely different from anyone she has ever met. In the bohemian quarter, Ginia meets a painter and soon begins an electric affair. During her ‘beautiful summer’, Ginia will surrender to her first great love, giving in to her overwhelming feelings, and celebrating the courage to be truly herself. Written and directed by Laura Luchetti (TWIN FLOWER IFF19) and freely inspired by the eponymous 1949 novel by Cesare Pavese, THE BEAUTIFUL SUMMER captures the intricacies of friendship, love and art, in a tender portrait of youth and freedom.

Born in Rome, awarded filmmaker Laura Luchetti has directed many short films, music videos, commercials, documentaries and theatre productions. Her first feature Febbre da Fieno (2010) featured at many international film festivals, and her second feature Twin Flower (2018) featured in the 2019 Italian Film Festival.