Twenty-nine year old Italian actress Isabella Ragonese is a nominee for a David di Donatello in the best actress category. I first noticed her in the role of Rosa Napolitano in the 2006 Nuovomondo. Rosa has been mislead about her life in the new world and wasn’t shy about pointing it out.
When I saw her again in 2009 in Dieci Inverni ( 10 Winters ) I didn’t even recognize her; she’d transformed from a rough, uneducated turn of the century immigrant to a shy, young college student on her own for the first time and seemed believable as both. If there are roles for her, if the Italian film industry continues to grow, this girl has a promising future.
She is nominated for a David di Donatello best actress award for her role as a young working class mother whose death changes everything for her family in “la Nostra Vita” – Our Life.
Here’s part of a recent interview from mymovies.it and I will do my best to translate it.
After the experience on the stage of the February 13 demonstration ( pro- women/ anti- Berlusconi ) are you still involved in women’s issues?
Yes, of course. but this is a period in which everybody talks about it, but I believe we must all do our work and hopefully manage our political obligation into what we do. In my small part I feel an obligation because I think that public figures should open themselves up and participate. But I always did it because it went along with my job. Films don’t change things but they can become important moments of reflection; they can make people look at things like homosexuality, the conditions of the those in the fringes of society, and women’s awareness.
You’re often given the parts of young people in precarious positions. Is that what you are looking for?
Not really. It just turns out that way because in Italy people my age don’t haven’t found their place. If I’m given the part of a young women it’s clear that she’ll be in a precarious situation. Otherwise it would be science fiction. I get roles of strong women because in general women are strong. It’s not really a presumed genetic superiority but because women are put to the test more than men.
How do you respond when people say you are today’s best actress?
That I am in good company. There is a wonderful generation of actors that are earning success. And more than being the actress of the moment I wish to be an actress that lasts.
Does the David di Donatello nomination scare you? Will you be at the awards?
I’ll go to the Davids, I’m not a snob and I’m very excited. It’s the first and I hope not the last nomination.The thing that scares me more is going to the Quirinale (president’s residence) and meeting Giorgio Napolitano. What do you say to the President of the Republic? I’m a little nervous.
And your next projects?
In October a film I made with Fabio Volo will be released and then that’s it. In 3 years I’ve made 12 films and I think it’s time to recharge the batteries. Maybe I’m exaggerating. I need some calm things. I’d like to dedicate myself this year to the theater, my first love, and I wouldn’t want to just do it in my spare time.
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