The Boy with Pink Trousers

A cultural phenomenon and box office sensation in Italy, this emotional drama set in a Rome high school explores the real story behind Italy’s first publicised case of online bullying. Loosely adapted from a book by Andrea’s mother Teresa Manes (played by Claudia Pandolfi), who has since become an anti-bullying advocate, this compelling film from Margherita Ferri portrays the tragic true story of 15-year-old Andrea Spezzacatene, featuring rising star Samuele Carrino in the lead role. Andrea is a gifted student and a talented singer who longs to make friends and fit in at his new school. But he soon falls prey to Christian, a charming student with a darker side. Then, when a laundry mishap causes his new red trousers, a gift from his mother, to turn pink in the wash, events take a turn for the worse as school bullying intensifies. Calling attention to the impact of bullying, homophobia and intolerance, The Boy with Pink Trousers is a moving and powerful film, honouring the memory of Andrea.

Born in Imola, in 1984, Margherita Ferri is a film and TV director and screenwriter. After her studies at UCLA and the Centro Sperimentale, National School of Cinema, Rome, Ferri took part in the Biennale College Cinema program. Her first feature film, Zen - in the Ice Rift (2018) was produced by Biennale di Venezia. She has directed two episodes each of the TV series Zero and Bang Bang Baby.