This is the story of Antonio Ligabue, a revolutionary loner in modern art. Toni (Antonio Ligabue) is the son of an Italian emigrant. After his mother’s death, he is adopted by a couple in German-speaking Switzerland. But his physical and mental ailments lead to his expulsion from the country. He is sent back to Italy against his will, where he lives for years in abject poverty on the banks of the river Po. He finds work as a casual laborer, but remains true to his great passion for drawing. Then he meets the sculptor Renato Marino Mazzacurati, who convinces him to try his hand at painting. This sets him on his path to liberation.
The film’s detailed depiction of the places where Ligabue lived and a strong lead performance from Elio Germano combine to make Volevo nascondermi an authentic and visionary portrait of an exceptional artist. Director Giorgio Diritti takes a passionate approach to Ligabue’s work; he shows us the man’s dark side and his horrific visions, but also his need to be understood and acknowledged. Marginalized and often mocked, Ligabue knows that art is the only way for him to develop his identity.
Directed by Giorgio Diritti
Italy, 2019 – duration 119 minutes
Language: Italian with English subtitles
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GIORGIO DIRITTI
The director, screenwriter and producer was born in Bologna, Italy in 1959. His debut feature film, Il vento fa il suo giro, screened at over 60 festivals around the world and won some 40 awards. His second feature, L’uomo che verrà, premiered at Rome Film Fest where it won a number of prizes as well as securing three David di Donatello and three Nastro d’Argento Italian film awards. Un giorno devi andare screened in the World Cinema competition at the Sundance Film Festival.