Italy's Oscar Contender 'Familia' Explores Trauma and Abuse Through a Genre-Bending Lens
Director Francesco Costabile's 'Familia' is Italy's submission for the 2026 Best International Feature Oscar, bringing a unique genre feel to the family melodrama. Based on Luigi Celeste's memoir, the film delves into his traumatic past as a far-right militant and the violent legacy of his criminal father. It premiered at the Venice Film Festival, winning the Best Actor prize for Francesco Gheghi, who portrays Luigi.
Co-stars include Francesco Di Leva, honored with the David di Donatello award for Best Supporting Actor, and Barbara Ronchi. The film is produced by Attilio de Razza and Nicola Picone for Rome-based Tramp Limited, in association with various production companies. True Colours handles international sales.
Costabile discusses 'Familia' with THR, exploring its social and psychological themes, his use of horror aesthetics, and future projects.
Does 'Familia' continue your exploration of challenging themes?
Yes, it does. My previous film, 'Una Femmina: The Code of Silence', also tackled domestic violence, a pervasive issue across cultures. While it was set in a criminal context, the themes remain relevant.
'Familia' broadens the conversation by depicting a family that many can relate to, making it more universally relatable. We aimed to explore how this affects male dynamics and toxic masculinity.
Your visuals, especially in scenes of domestic violence, evoke horror or thriller elements. Do you draw inspiration from genre cinema, and why?
Absolutely! I'm a fan of horror films and American independent cinema. I experiment with different cinematic languages to heighten the audience's emotional response. I believe reality can be more terrifying than fiction, so I incorporate horror elements to emphasize this. It's a way to mirror the horror present in our world.
Were there specific cinematic influences for 'Familia'?
I drew inspiration from early Scorsese films like 'Mean Streets', 'Raging Bull', and 'Cape Fear'. I admire Scorsese's ability to craft suspenseful narratives and his genre-blending approach.
How did you collaborate with Francesco Gheghi to achieve such a powerful performance?
The casting process was extensive, focusing on finding the right faces to convey emotions. Francesco Gheghi, at 22, is an exceptional actor. His movements, speech, and eyes evoke a young Marcello Mastroianni. He seamlessly blends rage and fragility, capturing the complexities of a troubled adolescence and the vulnerability of youth.
I also cast non-professional actors, particularly from street castings in boxing gyms, adding authenticity to the fascist group scenes.
A pivotal scene between the father and son evoked conflicting emotions. Can you share insights into its filming?
That scene was emotionally intense, as the characters mirrored each other, creating a dramatic and tragic moment. I wanted to reflect the complex feelings accurately, given my knowledge of the real-life Luigi Celeste and his family.
I strive to make cinema that challenges and discomforts the audience emotionally. While cinema is beautiful, it should also shape our consciences and emotions, especially in social and political contexts.
How did it feel to be nominated for the international Oscar?
I was speechless and disbelief. When I received the call from the Commission, I thought it was a joke. It's a dream come true, and I'm eager to see the film's impact on American audiences, especially their reactions to the themes and topics explored.
