IFF25 The Life Apart

IFF25 The Life Apart

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

Rating: CTC
Runtime: 114 mins

Italian with English subtitles

Session Times

Eastend Cinemas
Tue, Sep 30:
15:20

Tue, Oct 7:
18:00

Prospect Cinemas
Tue, Sep 23:
15:20

Mon, Oct 6:
18:00

Thu, Oct 9:
13:15

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