SYNOPSIS
The documentary begins ‘in medias res’: Sandro has been diagnosed with the disease, and together with his son Giacomo, he has embarked on a journey through memories, among old photographs and travels to the places of his childhood, the aim of which is to keep his memory constantly stimulated. As the stories resurface, Giacomo realizes that many episodes from his father’s life are true and proper incredible, surreal, and ironic adventures, and that the way to preserve them forever is to entrust them to the timeless language of cinema.
Father and son collect and transform Sandro’s Stories into true cinematic scenes, participating together in all phases of production. When it comes time for filming, Giacomo realizes that the memories of the Stories are inevitably becoming hazy, and that Sandro only recalls them in fragments. This long journey now takes on a new meaning for him: no longer that of preserving his father’s memory, but rather that of stealing as much time as possible from the disease to spend together, and to share with all the people who knew and loved Sandro.
CINEMA: HEALING AND DISCOVERY
The magic of filmmaking becomes a means of discovery and healing, as well as the tool to achieve the final objective. This is to leave Sandro an archive of memories in motion that keeps him anchored to himself for as long as possible. Filmed over the course of five years, the movie follows, on one hand, Sandro’s life living with the illness, and on the other, the collection of stories and the filmmaking process. Different narrative levels intertwine, just as different visual languages do, ranging from documentary shots to true cinematography.
In addition to offering a new perspective on illness, which is no longer seen as something inevitable but as an opportunity for transformation and beauty, 'Stories for Sandro' tells the journey of a father and son who rediscover the value of spending time together, finding each other and accompanying one another hand in hand in one last great adventure.
WATCH THE TRAILER
STAGES OF THE FILM
STORIES FOR SANDRO: IN NUMBERS
Years
Five or more years of writing and filming. The idea for the film originated in 2020, just after the diagnosis. Giacomo begins to constantly follow Sandro with the camera over time, through the phases of the illness.
Hours
Over the years, Giacomo creates more than 40 hours of footage, traveling and accompanying Sandro in rediscovering his past and the places and characters of his Stories.
Rewritings
Sandro writes the stories of his fist not once, but more and more times over the years. Prompted by Giacomo, this exercise helps him not to lose details and to keep his memory trained.
People
Over the course of 5 years, many people have been involved in the project, starting from the doctors, acquaintances, friends, and family of Sandro, to the crew during the days of shooting in the studio.
The 5 stories
The Artistic Team
AUTHOR AND DIRECTOR
Giacomo Boeri
Graduating from the London Film School, Giacomo founded the production company and creative studio The Blink Fish in Milan in 2013, where he works as a director and author of advertisements, fashion films, short films, and documentaries. Always passionate about storytelling, Giacomo won the RAI Cinema Alice in the Cities Award in 2019 with the short film 'Pater Familias'. With The Blink Fish, he writes and produces short films and documentaries that participate in numerous International Film Festivals. Since 2020, Giacomo has been developing his first docufilm set to be released in 2025.
SCENOGRAPHER
Josè Tirado
Jose Tirado, a set designer for cinema, advertising, fashion, and music videos, studied audiovisual communication and cinema in Barcelona and Madrid. Since 2013, he has been working in the industry and has won international awards, including Best Set Designer at the Ischia Film Festival. He has taught at the San Sebastián Festival and at institutions like IED. He is a member of the Spanish Academy of Cinema and AEDAA.
DOP
Emanuele Zarlenga
Emanuele Zarlenga, born in 1983 in Albano Laziale, is a director of photography who began his career in 2005 as a Digital Imaging Technician, collaborating with directors such as Tornatore and Bertolucci. Since 2017, he has been dedicated to cinematography, working with international brands and directing his first film in 2019. His artistic research and approach to cinematography are inspired by various disciplines including philosophy, painting, and theater.
VIDEO EDITOR
VERONICA SCOTTI
Veronica Scotti is a film editor from Milan with a solid background in video editing. She attended the Civic School of Cinema and worked at Fiumi Studios. Throughout her career, she has participated in various film projects, including: Milano 55.1. Chronicle of a Week of Passions (2011), All the Sounds of the Sea (2012), The Calling (2017). Her experience and expertise in editing contribute to the narrative structure and rhythm of the projects she takes part in, making her a respected professional in the Italian film industry.
Costume Designer
SARA COSTANTINI
Sara Costantini, born in Italy in the late 1970s, graduated from the Brera Academy of Fine Arts. She immediately started working as a freelance costume designer, distinguishing herself for her knowledge of contemporary and historical design, research, and construction. Her talent and creativity have left a mark on projects of all kinds. Thanks to her unique vision and experience in team management, she is a preferred choice for directors and producers. Today, she works across commercials, events, retrospectives, and theater.
COMPOSER
LEO EINAUDI
Leo is an Italian musician and composer, son of the famous pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi. Following in his family's footsteps, Leo has developed a musical career that spans from contemporary composition to the use of instruments such as the guitar, as well as dabbling in singing and songwriting. His music reflects a fusion of classical and modern influences, contributing to a distinctive soundscape.
Production
The production behind the Film