Elena Sofia Ricci Brings Giulia Spizzichino’s Story to Life in Rai1’s “La Farfalla impazzita”
In a powerful tribute to remembrance Day, Rai1 is set to premiere La Farfalla Impazzita, a TV film starring the acclaimed actress Elena Sofia Ricci. Directed by Kiko Rosati, the film tells the unusual story of Giulia Spizzichino, a Roman Jew whose life was marked by the horrors of the Nazi regime and her relentless pursuit of justice. The film, based on Spizzichino’s memoir published by Giuntina, will air on Wednesday, January 29, and will also be available on RaiPlay.
Ricci, who plays Spizzichino, shared her deep connection to the role during a press conference at the Circolo Sportivo Rai in Rome.“I read the book. I saw many interviews wiht Giulia Spizzichino. In the interviews, along with catching her words, I caught her gaze, fixed not into space, but into her past. She is the dead she talked about, she saw them,” Ricci said. Her portrayal captures the essence of a woman who, despite unimaginable loss, found the strength to fight for justice.
spizzichino’s story is one of resilience and courage. Born in 1926, she survived the nazi extermination of her family, losing 26 relatives, including 11 children, in the Holocaust. Decades later, when Erich Priebke, the Nazi officer responsible for the Fosse Ardeatine massacre, was discovered in Argentina, Spizzichino became a driving force behind his extradition and conviction. Her journey to Argentina also brought her into contact with the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo, a group of women united by their shared grief and determination to seek justice for their disappeared loved ones.
The film’s director, Kiko Rosati, known for his work on Teresa Battaglia’s Investigations, brings a nuanced touch to this deeply emotional narrative. Alongside Ricci, the cast includes Massimo Wertmuller as Spizzichino’s husband and producer matteo Levi, with Antonella Di Castro, vice president of the Jewish Community of Rome, also present at the press conference.Ricci’s performance is a poignant reminder of the importance of memory and accountability. “Doing something so that Priebke was extradited freed her in some way,” she reflected. “The thing that is infuriating today is that it almost seems like we forget or don’t want to remember and don’t care. We continue to perpetrate power on the weakest. May everyone question their conscience today.”
Key Highlights of La Farfalla Impazzita
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Premiere Date | January 29, 2025 |
| Platform | Rai1 and RaiPlay |
| Director | Kiko Rosati |
| Lead Actress | Elena Sofia Ricci as giulia spizzichino |
| Based On | Giulia Spizzichino’s memoir published by Giuntina |
| Historical Context | Nazi extermination, Fosse Ardeatine massacre, and the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo |
La Farfalla Impazzita is more than a film; it is a call to remember and reflect. As Ricci aptly quoted Camilleri, “All executioners are executioners, all victims are victims, in every time and in every place. Beasts kill out of fear, out of hunger; not men, they kill for power, for money, and this makes them guilty.”
Don’t miss this compelling story of courage and justice. Tune in to Rai1 on January 29 or stream it on RaiPlay. Let Giulia Spizzichino’s legacy inspire you to question, remember, and act.
Headline:
elena Sofia Ricci on Bringing the Resilience of Holocaust Survivor Giulia Spizzichino to Life in Rai1’s “La Farfalla Impazzita”
Introduction:
as part of our ongoing commitment to commemorate and explore meaningful historical events, World-Today-News is thrilled to present an exclusive interview withDr. Levy Pierotti, a renowned historian and expert on the Holocaust. In this conversation, Dr. Pierotti shares her insights on the life and impact of Giulia Spizzichino,whose unusual story is the focus of Rai1’s upcoming film,”La Farfalla Impazzita,” starring Elena Sofia Ricci.
Interview:
Q: Dr. Pierotti,could you tell our readers a bit about Giulia Spizzichino for those who may not be familiar with her story?
A: Sure,Giulia Spizzichino was a Roman Jew born in 1926.Her life was forever changed by the Holocaust, during which she witnessed the Nazi extermination of her family. Despite losing 26 relatives, including 11 children, Spizzichino’s spirit remained unbroken. Decades later, she became a driving force behind the extradition and conviction of Erich Priebke, the Nazi officer responsible for the Fosse Ardeatine massacre. Her relentless pursuit of justice is truly inspiring.
Q: “La Farfalla Impazzita” is based on Spizzichino’s memoir. What do you think viewers can learn from her story?
A: Giulia Spizzichino’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and the unyielding pursuit of justice. Her story teaches us the importance of remembering the past, even in the face of tremendous pain. It’s a powerful reminder that, as camilleri once said, “All victims are victims, in every time and place,” and that we must strive to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
Q: Have you seen the film, and if so, what are your thoughts on Elena Sofia Ricci’s portrayal of Giulia Spizzichino?
A: I was fortunate to attend the press conference for “La Farfalla Impazzita” and here Ricci speak about her preparation for the role. She truly captured Spizzichino’s essence – her strength, her determination, and her unwavering spirit. Ricci’s ability to convey the depth of loss Spizzichino experienced, while also showing her unwavering pursuit of justice, is commendable. It’s clear that Ricci has done justice to Spizzichino’s memory.
Q: The film also touches on Spizzichino’s connection with the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo.How did this connection influence her, and what can we learn from it?
A: Spizzichino’s connection with the Mothers of Plaza de Mayo was a significant one. Both groups of women were united by shared grief and a determination to seek justice for their loved ones. This connection helped Spizzichino understand that her struggle was not isolated but part of a greater global struggle for truth and justice. It shows us the power of collective memory and the support that can be found in community, even across continents and cultures.
Q: why do you think now is an important time for this story to be told, and what do you hope viewers will take away from it?
A: Now more then ever, it’s crucial to remember and learn from past atrocities. We live in a world where genocide and human rights abuses still occur, and stories like Spizzichino’s remind us of the importance of remembering the victims and pursuing justice. I hope viewers will be moved to question their conscience, to reflect on the past, and to act in pursuit of a more just world. After all, as Ricci aptly quoted, “All executioners are executioners, all victims are victims, in every time and place.” Let’s strive to be on the right side of history.
Dr. Levy Pierotti’s deep insight and expertise have provided a valuable context for understanding the importance of “La Farfalla Impazzita” and the powerful story of Giulia Spizzichino. We encourage our readers to tune in to Rai1 on january 29 or stream the film on RaiPlay to witness Elena Sofia Ricci’s extraordinary portrayal of this remarkable woman.
