We’re Here to Try

Italian theater makers Daria Deflorian and Antonio Tagliarini have been working together for many years and also share a home in Rome. When 60-year-old Daria gets married for the first time in her life, she moves out, and a new phase in their partnership begins. In the meantime, they are starting work on a play based on Federico Fellini’s film Ginger e Fred, starring Marcello Mastroianni and Guilietta Masina.

This observational documentary by the renowned editor and director Jacopo Quadri (Lorello e Brunello [2017], Ultimina [2020]) and Greta De Lazzaris closely follows the creative process, from tap dancing lessons and improvisations to frequent discussions on the stage. The uncertainties brought by the Covid-19 pandemic contribute to mounting tensions. Daria and Antonio’s relationship is also running badly. Nevertheless, the creative process goes on: with four other actors, in the ghostly theaters of Rome, Rimini and Toulouse, they carry on towards the premiere.