Small Body
Film
8pm
Set in north-eastern Italy, Laura Samani’s feature debut follows a grieving mother on an impossible journey to safe the soul of her stillborn daughter.
In an isolated island community at the beginning of the 20th century, Agate gives birth to a little girl; sleeping. Terrified that her child will forever drift in spiritual limbo, she flees husband and family,
with her baby’s body, embarking on a desperate, dangerous journey to the mountains, where there may be someone somewhere who can perform a miracle.
With its thoughtful tone, dark and enchanting atmosphere, and skilful pacing this feels like a Gothic fairy tale. At times breathtakingly beautiful, making great use of its Friuli Venezia settings, this is a captivating, remarkably assured debut.
A sublimely shot parable of spiritual redemption. The Guardian
Director: Laura Samani. Italy, France, Slovenia, 2021, 89 minutes
