IFF25 The Life Apart

La vita accanto
AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
Directed by Marco Tullio Giodana, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Marco Bellochio and Gloria Malatesta, and inspired by the acclaimed novel by Mariapia Veladiano, A Life Apart is an absorbing drama that explores identity, beauty and the power of music.
Featuring original music by acclaimed composer Dario Marianelli (Pride & Prejudice, Atonement, Pinocchio), it follows a wealthy and influential family in the beautiful Italian art city Vicenza, consisting of Maria, her husband Osvaldo, and his twin sister Erminia, a renowned concert pianist.
In the early 1980s, after years of trying to conceive, Maria finally gives birth to a long-awaited and eagerly anticipated daughter, Rebecca. However, Rebecca is born with a prominent purple birthmark covering half her face. Despite being otherwise normal and beautiful, the mark becomes an obsession for Maria, leading her to reject her responsibilities as a mother.
Rebecca’s adolescence is marred by shame and isolation until her aunt Erminia takes over her education and discovers her exceptional musical talent, offering her a means to escape her family’s obsessions and secrets.
“Captivating.” - International Cinephile Society
OFFICIAL SELECTION - Locarno International Film Festival 2024
WINNER - Best Actress, Mostra de València-Cinema del Mediterrani 2024
NOMINEE - Best Supporting Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Nastro d’Argento Awards 2025
Italian with English subtitles

Release Date: Sep 17, 2025

Rating: CTC

Runtime: 114 mins

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