When the sprawling exhibition halls of Fiera Bolzano are swallowed by an impenetrable fog, transforming it into a dystopian wasteland, you know cinematic magic is underway. Director Alberto Fasulo - who took home Rome's prestigious Marc’Aurelio d’Oro in 2013 for his feature TIR - plunges audiences into a dark, post-apocalyptic future with his latest endeavor, La Corda.
The premise of this audacious sci-fi drama - a genre rarely tackled in Italian arthouse cinema - is as bold as it is gripping. Earth is a dead rock, long abandoned by mankind. Into this desolate void, a lone man returns from deep space. Upon his arrival, he encounters a woman who has also awakened in this barren world. Together, they embark on an existential struggle - not merely to survive, but to create a new future for humanity.
Forward-Looking Synergies & A Personal Homecoming
Behind this visual and narrative tour de force is Nefertiti Film, spearheaded by producer Nadia Trevisan. The project is being realized in collaboration with Rai Cinema, as a sweeping transnational co-production with Switzerland's Beauvoir Films. For Trevisan and Fasulo, shooting in South Tyrol is far more than a strategic logistical choice; it’s a homecoming of sorts. La Corda serves as the culminating chapter of a cinematic triptych that began over a decade ago with TIR. Back then, South Tyrol's film fund provided critical post-production support, laying the groundwork for this creative partnership. Today, the filmmakers have deliberately returned to their roots to bring the final act to life. A cornerstone of this collaborative ethos - and a genuine passion project on set - is the deep synergy with Bolzano's ZeLIG film school. Under the mentorship of Emanuele Vernillo, eight film students have been granted the rare opportunity to gain hands-on experience on a major set. For Fasulo, this dynamic is a real highlight: "These young talents bring motivation and an infectious ambition that truly elevates our daily workflow, infusing the set with a palpable, positive energy."
Forging the Ruins of a Dead Planet
But how exactly does one forge the ruins of a dead planet in the heart of South Tyrol? The answer lies in crafting highly intricate indoor sets within the vast halls of Fiera Bolzano. The production has taken over the venue for a staggering 80 days - 56 of which were dedicated solely to meticulous prep, set construction, and breakdown. It’s a testament to the mammoth scale and quality of the production.
In Front of the Camera and Behind the Scenes
A production on this scale requires immense dedication from its cast and crew. While the deeply human drama rests on the shoulders of its two seasoned leads, they are joined by locally cast talent from South Tyrol. To navigate the myriad logistical hurdles, the producers tapped local service company Impact Production, whose local experience was key in bringing the vision to life. When La Corda finally graces the silver screen in 2027, audiences will be transported to a virtually unrecognizable world, defined by striking cinematography and boundary-pushing storytelling. Bringing Fasulo’s grand vision to life was made possible by the seamless collaboration between Nadia Trevisan (Nefertiti Film), Rai Cinema, Beauvoir Films, and IDM Film & Music Commission Südtirol. It is a fitting, awe-inspiring finale to a remarkable cinematic triptych.
South Tyrolean Production Crew:
Valentina Iagrossi - Production Coordinator
Bryan Ferraro - Production Assistant
Giacomo Lorenzi - Production Assistant
Alessandro Passi - Production Assistant
Peter Mair - Production Assistant
Erald Spahiu - Production Assistant
Juan Etoo Lantschner - Production Assistant
Sami Benameur - Production Assistant
Giuseppe Tedeschi - Assistant Director
Livia Romano - 1st Assistant Camera
Hannah Huetter - 2nd Assistant Camera
Kristian De Martiis - Gaffer
Silvio Gabardi - Lighting Technician
Stefano Alfonsetti - Additional Lighting Technician
Andrea Frison - Additional Lighting Technician
Noeh Demetz - Key Grip
Daniel Mazza - Grip
Jakob Watschinger - Rigger
Stephan Mussner - Grip Trainee
Matilde Ramini - Sound Mixer
Christian Bruni - Set Builder
Martin Frisbee - Prop Master
Kelvin Xavier Wessen - Props Assistant
Moustapha Ka - Props Assistant
Mahdi Makkaoui - Props Assistant
Delia Gudrun Frisbee - Props Assistant
Yousef Makkaoui - Props Assistant
Alejandra Deaza Silva - Costume
Eva Maria Sotriffer - Costume Assistant
Diego Marangoni - SFX Supervisor
Daniel Pir - Special Effects Technician