“A Brief Affair”, interview with actress Valeria Golino

Speaking with Fred Film Radio at the Cinema Made in Italy Festival in London, Valeria Golino reflected on the rare moment of presenting four films in the festival’s programme: “A Brief Affair”, “Fuori”, “Gioia” and “Elisa”. The acclaimed actress described the experience as both exciting and slightly overwhelming, but also deeply rewarding after decades in the industry. Now at a stage in her career where she can choose projects she truly believes in, Golino said she still feels a genuine love for her work and remains grateful to continue exploring new roles.

A changing industry for women

Golino also spoke about the evolving opportunities for women in cinema. She noted that twenty years ago, it would have been far less common for an actress over fifty to be working as frequently as she is today. Instead, she finds herself taking on complex, vibrant roles rather than being limited to stereotypical parts. For Golino, this shift reflects a positive change within the industry, allowing women to remain creatively active well beyond what was once considered their “prime”.

Seeking roles that challenge

When choosing projects, Golino explained that she is drawn to roles that challenge and even unsettle her. Rather than repeating familiar territory, she looks for characters that make her uncertain about whether she can fully embody them. That sense of risk, she said, keeps the work exciting and prevents her from becoming bored with herself as an actor.

Beyond good and evil

Across the films she presents at the festival, Golino recognised a shared fascination with moral ambiguity. As an artist, she said she is interested in exploring characters and situations that exist beyond simple judgments of right and wrong. While she considers herself politically conscious as a citizen, her approach to art allows for greater freedom—an opportunity to examine difficult or uncomfortable aspects of human behaviour without moralising.

The conversation also touched on “A Brief Affair”, directed by Ludovica Rampoldi, and “Fuori”, Mario Martone’s biographical film about writer Goliarda Sapienza. Golino revealed that she had known Sapienza personally as a young actor, later directing an adaptation of her novel “The Art of Joy” before ultimately portraying the writer on screen. The experience, she said, felt like completing a remarkable personal and artistic circle. Reflecting on her approach to playing real-life figures, Golino explained that she focuses less on imitation and more on capturing a person’s spirit-evoking gestures, memories and emotional traces that bring them back to life on screen.

With four fascinating and distinct films showcased at the festival, Golino once again proves why she is such an icon and trailblazer in the industry, whose career in front and behind the camera continues apace.

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