Cristina Puccinelli: “Marilena, a real life charachter”

Cristina Puccinelli was born in Lucca to an American mother and an Italian father and graduated from “La Sapienza” University in Communication Sciences with a thesis on cinema and fashion. Meanwhile, she also studied acting at Duse International with Francesca De Sapio and followed various seminars in Italy and abroad. She started her acting career in cinema, TV, and theater for several Italian and international projects. In 2007 she wrote, directed, and acted in her first short film. She is one of the main organizers of the “Effetto Cinema Notte” event and artistic director for Lucca Film Festival e Europa Cinema and many others. She has also worked as a casting director and assistant director in international feature films.

What are the most challenging aspects of being a filmmaker?

Really being personal, unique and true.

What is your source of inspiration for this short film?

My inspiration is the life of some women that live in the south of my country. Actually, I took inspiration from the life of a friend of mine. A few years ago, women’s condition was really like I described in the film and it’s not completely changed.

MARILENA | Poster
Cristina Puccinelli

What is the theme of this film?

The main theme is freedom. Gender freedom.

How do you decide on possible ways to promote your film when you are on a tight budget?

You should make people see it, in any possible way, trying not to be stalker.

How important do you think distribution is in today's marketplace?

It is important, it’s getting more and more difficult to show films because there are more and more products every year. Digital and young generations go together and so it’s not easy to emerge.

For those considering self-distribution, what is your advice?

Really look carefully to every festival and be really aware of what is the target of your film.

How significant do you think short films are for someone venturing into directing films?

They are very important, they are the only way to learn.

What was the worst challenge of your career so far? How did you take it over?

It is still to do my first long movie. I take it over with creativity, I guess.

What are the factors to making a good film?

Luck, good idea, good timing for the subject, good people around.

Is there anything you would change if you could go back to the beginning?

Sure, many things, I did many mistakes and I still do, but I try to pardon myself and learn.
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