U.S. Premiere

A Sicilian Summer sparks a vital bond across generations in this irresistibly sweet, very low budget , first feature that goes straight to the heart and conquered audiences all across Italy.

+ Q&A with Director Margherita Spampinato and actress Aurora Quattrocchi connecting live from Italy, moderated by Tommaso Cammarano, IFF’s Artistic Director

This film is recommended for audiences of all ages.

ABOUT THE FILM

When Nico (Marco Fiore), a lively young boy glued to his phone, spends the Summer in Sicily with his grumpy Aunt Gela (Aurora Quattrocchi), worlds collide. He is filled with curiosity and modern energy; she lives in an ancient, magical, ritual-filled world where religion, superstition, and secrets shape every moment. From this unlikely encounter, a surprising bond forms, full of humor, wonder, and heartfelt discovery.

Inspired by director Margherita Spampinato’s own childhood, “Gioia mia” celebrates the small miracles of everyday life, the magic hidden in rituals, and the universal need for connection across generations.

The film premiered at the 78th Locarno Film Festival in 2025, earning the Special Jury Prize in the Filmmakers of the Present Competition and a long overdue Best Actress Award for its lead, Aurora Quattrocchi, an Italian actress with a 50 year career in  theater, television and cinema, directed by the most important directors, acting on the most important Italian theater stages next to the most famous actors and actresses.

DIRECTOR'S BIO:

Margherita Spampinato graduated in 2003 with a degree in Humanities, specializing in Performing Arts and Sciences, from the Sapienza University of Rome. She then completed a one-year internship at S.P.A.C.E. Productions and Chance Productions in Paris, gaining early hands-on experience in film production. Since 2003, she has worked as a production secretary on numerous cinema projects, including “Grido” by Pippo Delbono, “L'aria salata” by Alessandro Angelini, “I Vicerè” by Roberto Faenza, and “Gli amici del bar Margherita” by Pupi Avati, among others.

Spampinato began directing with her 2008 short film “Tommasina”, which was selected for the Torino Film Festival. In 2012, she released the short documentary “Segreti”, which won the Grand Prix at the 60th Belgrade Documentary and Short Film Festival. Her project “Gela” was selected for L’Atelier di Milano Film Network in 2024, where it also won the Sound Editing Tutoring Award.

IFF is delighted to present the U.S. premiere of the irresistible “Gioia mia”, Spampinato's first feature film.