The project IL VELO DI GILA that includes this short film (together with a graphic novel, several educational workshops and a possible theatrical adaptation) was initiated by three Italian authors: Savino Napoleone, Raffaele Ferrante and Nicolò Santovito.
The project addresses and explores the difficulties and psychological obstacles faced by children and adolescents growing up. It shows the loneliness and anxiety that are familiar to many young people, yet also demonstrates how in times of distress feelings of dejection can be overcome by connecting with one's inner psychic resources. The authors joined up to create a project not only for children, but also for parents and educational institutions.
When I was first approached by Savino and Raffaele about creating a short film on this delicate topic in June 2018 they had already produced a rough draft for what should be the driving story of the book and the short film. My initial skepticism towards their plans (I had been part of several passionate and ambitious projects before which had then fallen apart for lack of proper management) quickly dissipated during a long conversation about the larger vision and goals of the project, the efforts that had already gone into its preparation and organization, and the widespread support by different social institutions.