“Primavera”, interview with director Damiano Michieletto

Damiano Michieletto spoke to Fred Film Radio at the Cinema Made in Italy festival in London about his feature debut “Primavera”, a historical drama inspired by Antonio Vivaldi’s work with the girls of a Venetian orphanage in the early 18th century. Based on Tiziano Scarpa’s novel “Stabat Mater”, the film follows Cecilia, a young violinist whose life is transformed when Vivaldi arrives as a teacher, sparking both a creative awakening and a deeper search for freedom.

Music as the heart of the story

Although the film explores Vivaldi’s origins, the opera director was keen to emphasise that “Primavera” is not a traditional biopic. Instead, the story unfolds through Cecilia’s perspective, exploring her struggle to imagine a future beyond the confines of the orphanage. For Michieletto, the themes of freedom, emancipation and self-discovery felt surprisingly modern, despite the 18th-century setting. Music plays a central role in that journey, functioning almost like a character in the film itself and reflecting the emotional connection between Cecilia and Vivaldi.

Recreating the world of the orphanage

Drawing on extensive historical research, Michieletto and his creative team aimed to capture the atmosphere of these Venetian institutions without turning the film into a strict historical reconstruction. Rather than filming in Venice, much of the film was shot in Rome, allowing the team to reinterpret the setting while staying faithful to the spirit of the place. The director was particularly interested in portraying the restrictive nature of life inside the orphanage, contrasted with the vibrant world outside — a world the girls can glimpse but rarely experience.

Two artists connected through music

At the heart of the film is the relationship between Cecilia and Vivaldi, played by Tecla Insolia and Michele Riondino. Michieletto described their connection not as a romantic one, but as the meeting of two lonely individuals brought together through music. Cecilia’s journey becomes one of discovering her own voice and identity, while Vivaldi’s presence helps unlock new possibilities in her life. The film also reflects on the enduring power of music itself, which Michieletto describes as something capable of creating empathy and emotional connection beyond words.

Bringing “Primavera” to London as part of the Cinema Made in Italy festival was particularly meaningful for Michieletto, who has long associated the city with creativity, theatre and music. With the film set to receive a UK release, he expressed both excitement and curiosity about how British audiences might respond to its story. Ultimately, he hopes viewers will leave with a renewed appreciation for Vivaldi’s music, as well as the film’s central message about freedom, courage and the possibility of finding one’s own “springtime”, even in the most difficult circumstances.

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