Laura Samani Reveals ‘Sexual Tension’ in Award-Winning ‘A Year of School’: A Swedish Girl in All-Male Class

Italian Filmmaker Laura Samani’s Latest Triumph

Laura Samani, an Italian director who first captured attention in 2021 with her debut film “Small Body,” a feminist magical realist story, has recently garnered a prestigious award at the Venice Film Festival for her latest movie, “A Year of School.” The film earned the best actor award for new talent Giacomo Covi in the Horizons section of the competition.

Set to be shown in Busan as well, “A Year of School” explores the experience of a Swedish young woman named Fred who moves to Italy and joins an all-male senior class at a technical high school in Trieste in 2007. Fred quickly becomes a focal point, particularly among a trio of close male friends: the empathetic Antero (played by Covi), the charismatic but vulnerable ladies’ man Pasini (Pietro Giustolisi), and the stout, protective Mitis (Samuel Volturno). Each harbors a secret romantic interest in Fred, leading to a complex dynamic filled with sexual politics and challenges related to gender norms.

Speaking with The Bangin Beats in Venice, Samani discussed her film’s central themes, stating, “It’s about desire,” and elaborating on the different experiences of sexual desire depending on one’s physical embodiment. She emphasized the challenges and disparities in how desires are expressed and acted upon, particularly highlighting the societal advantages often afforded to males.

Origins of the Story

“A Year of School” is a loose adaptation of a novel from the early 20th century bearing the same name, a book Samani read while attending the very school featured in the story, at the same age as its characters. This personal connection added a layer of meta-narration to her film. Despite being the only girl in her school group, Samani faced unique pressures, which informed her storytelling. After her previous project, “Piccolo Corpo,” which involved period costumes and settings, Samani was keen on exploring contemporary themes and settings.

Casting the Characters

For the casting of “A Year of School,” Samani collaborated with casting director Davide Zurolo and his assistant Alejandro Bonn, who also served as an acting coach on set. They scouted talent in local bars, universities, and schools in Trieste, leading to the discovery of the film’s main actors. Giacomo Covi and Pietro Giustolisi were found in different bars, while Samuel Volturno was discovered in a high school.

The role of Fred was cast through a call in Stockholm, where Stella Wendwick, then a student focusing on screenwriting and acting, was selected for her maturity and intelligence evident from her audition tape.

Fred’s ability to speak Italian, which she learns throughout the film, mirrors her real-life counterpart Stella Wendwick, who arrived in Italy speaking only English, French, and Swedish. Language is used strategically in the film to highlight emotional and power dynamics, with the local dialect in Trieste playing a significant role.

Music in the Film

Samani chose to feature local indie rock music, particularly post-punk from the Pordenone area, known for its influential music scene around 2007-2008. The closing track of the film, by the band Prozac+, resonated with Samani personally as it was a favorite during her teenage years. The track, initially personal and closely held by its writer Gian Maria Accusani, was re-recorded with a female vocal part by famous Italian pop singer Elisa after Accusani was moved by a rough cut of the film.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

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Blake Harrison

With a knack for uncovering hidden gems, Blake dives deep into the world of indie films and underground cinema.