An international film production with a strong South Tyrolean core
“If you‘ve finished eating, please stand up and make room for the next group!” Lunch on set isn‘t a break left to chance; it‘s a gear in a perfect mechanism: A film set follows no one‘s whims – not even within the historic walls of the St. Florian Hospice in Egna, the stage for several key scenes of the production “Ting“. “Ting” is a dark-fantasy drama produced by Bolzano-based Albolina Film in an international co-production.
The air in the basement of the hospice is thick and stifling; an incredible bustle of people scurries past each other through narrow stairs and winding corridors – almost in silence and with intense focus. Everyone has a precise task, equipped with headphones, portable monitors, scripts, or the specific tools required for their role. Seated at a table from another era is a pale young woman with long black hair, wearing a light-colored dress. In front of her, a camera moves along a track. Suddenly, a voice thunders through the rooms and out into the open: “Quiet please – we‘re rolling!”
“Ting”, conceived and written by Piemontese director Maximilian Dejoie, tells the story of “Marilì”, a young girl in an orphanage at the end of World War I, amidst the Spanish Flu pandemic. The traumas of the war years manifest into a terrifying figure named “Ting”, who from that moment haunts and challenges the protagonist.
On set, this monstrous creature actually comes to life. The mask can speak, laugh, and scowl – its facial expressions powered by a 12-volt battery. The rest of the latex body is tailor-made for a performer, meaning most scenes are captured in-camera rather than being digitally animated. The design and creation boast world-class origins: Luke Fisher, Gustav Hoegen and Tristan Versluis – all three are veterans of “Star Wars.”
But what brings such an international production to the St. Florian Hospice? The answer lies with Bolzano‘s Albolina Film, producer of the project alongside co-producers Randan / Ting Film Ltd (UK) and Cinefonie (Torino). This constellation is made possible by the IDM Film & Music Commission South Tyrol. By positioning South Tyrol as a premier filming location, IDM has created an entire economic sector: from logistics to set construction. To qualify for IDM funding, productions must reinvest at least 150% of the grant amount back into the local economy. In the case of “Ting,” that figure reaches as much as 210%, emphasizes Wilfried Gufler, CEO of Albolina Film.
Looking at Egna: around 60 people are working on the set in the St. Florian Hospice, including over 20 local South Tyrolean professionals. Among them is Stefano Bernardi from Merano, responsible for sound recording alongside Martin Fliri – often for the first time in such a specific team, as every production requires a new group of participants, assembled ad hoc: “It’s a real joy to be here; everyone works together willingly and well.”
The shoot in South Tyrol took place starting in mid-March 2026 for a total of 11 days. Besides the St. Florian Hospice in Egna, locations included the porphyry quarry and the castle at Lake Monticolo, the Mill Museum in Aldino, the “Rocce Rosse” (Red Rocks) in Bronzolo, and the old railway station of Doladizza in Montagna. This was particularly exciting for the actors, as lead actress Mariandrea Cesari, who plays the girl “Marilì,” reports. The 17-year-old from Liguria is enthusiastic about her role, the work on set, and especially the locations: “Thanks to this film production, I’m in South Tyrol for the first time in my life—there’s so much green here, the forests, the mountains... I like it very much.”
One of local professionals is Sara Pergher from Vipiteno, the set decorator on set. After studying in Torino, she went freelance 11 years ago; “Ting” is already her 39th film project, having recently worked on the award-winning film “Vermiglio.” Her task consists of sourcing and arranging everything needed to recreate the environment in which the actors move, ensuring every element is historically consistent with the period in which the story is set. “To do this, I study the script but also delve into historical research to define and find materials, styles, and objects that are authentic for that period.”
Wilfried Gufler, CEO of Albolina Film, appears satisfied with his team of permanent and freelance employees. As former director of the Raetia publishing house in Bolzano, he recognized the signs of the times when IDM Film & Music Commission South Tyrol was founded, establishing Albolina Film — initially as a service provider for foreign film productions. Today, Albolina Film is a production house in its own right. The core team includes producer Roberto Cavallini, who is also responsible for “Ting,” production manager Thomas Saglia, and several key managers like Leonardo Pistolato and Elton Istrefi, who handle the proper management of the budget, contributions from various funds, and the tax credit.
In addition, Gufler’s team coordinates all freelance collaborators: from the aforementioned sound and set decoration experts to the location manager (Giuseppe Zampella), from coordination and supervision (Katharina Kammerer and Petra Tschenett) to the assistant director (Giuseppe Tedeschi). Furthermore: the production department (Julia Alber, Ester Seppi, Marina di Fiore, Marco Di Liello), various technicians (Beniamino Casagrande, Erwin Kofler, Noeh Demetz, Erwin Canderle), special effects and stunts (Diego Marangoni, Jakob Watschinger), tailoring (Katja Schweiggl), hair stylist (Ingrid Blasbichler), and many more.
For “Ting”, the effort is significant not only in production but also in administration: as an international production, it is supported not only by IDM Film & Music Commission but also by Creative Europe MEDIA, the Italian Ministry of Culture, Screen Scotland, and the Film Commission Torino Piemonte. All these entities require extremely precise accounting of budgets and expenses in order to disburse the funding.
South Tyrol has thus become even more attractive for film productions, transforming into a true hub for the sector. For this reason, Bolzano-based Albolina Film recently entered into a partnership with Studio Hamburg, a leading European company in film production and services. The result: even greater demand from international productions knocking on the doors of South Tyrol and Albolina Film.
The “South Tyrol effect” required by IDM continues to expand: not only are service providers and professionals directly linked to cinema involved, but other partners have also specialized in this field. Every film set is a temporary microcosm that is adapted to the ideal filming location. Everywhere there is a need for electricity, toilets, space for breaks, and... food. Just like at the St. Florian Hospice in Egna: good food boosts morale and increases the overall quality of the work. “ÖwieKnödel” is the name of the catering company from the Val Senales Valley that set up at the hospice, offering a surprising variety of dishes – a gastronomic company that has specialized in supplying film sets.