An Italian tragicomedy about a woman who decides to get over her husband leaving by hiding in the wardrobe.
Teenager Sveva and her restless seven-year-old brother Paolo live with caring parents in the center of Rome. The children have no idea that their father Daniele, a respected doctor, has long been tired of the relationship with their mother Lisa but is scared to say so. So, when he takes all of his white shirts from the wardrobe and leaves home, it is a real shock for every member of the family. Lisa cannot cope and decides to live in the wardrobe. Sveva and Paolo don’t know what to do and react to their mother’s behavior in different ways. Sveva is angry and tries to encourage Lisa to comes out, but Paolo is even prepared to part with his favorite panther toy to make his mother’s life in the wardrobe more comfortable.
This debut feature by Italian actress Monica Dugo, who also plays the role of Lisa in the film, was first shown at the Venice Film Festival and then at the Festival do Rio (Brazil). Like Turtles is a sensitive and, at first glance, naive film, but in just over an hour the director offers a touching story about how to live with loss and pain and how there are no rules for grief. The lead character’s children help her to believe that things can get better and to recover from her difficult past. They are firm in their belief that life is a good thing. The title of the film is also incredibly touching. When he realizes that his mother has moved into the wardrobe, Paolo tells her a story that he heard from his teacher. When winter comes, turtles also move to a secluded place in order to rest and build up their strength.
The film will be shown in Italian with Russian subtitles.
After the screening there will be Q&A with the director Monica Dugo and the film journalist Ksenia Ilyina.
Like Turtles
Director Monica Dugo
Italy, 2022, 82 min. 16+
