“Katabasis” is the second work by artist Samantha Casella, who had already impressed with her debut, “Santa Guerra” for the courage of her vision and for which she was awarded 647 awards in Festivals organized in 54 different countries. Of these, 2023 for best film, 134 for best direction and 81 for best supporting actress (for S. Casella who plays a ghost).
In this new work, a theme dear to the director returns, that of abuse. The term “Katabasis” refers to the descent of a living person into the afterlife for which this film is, as the title itself suggests, a journey into the afterlife. The project is produced by The Shadows Factory.
In an absolute preview, on Monday 2 September at 10:30 am, at Villa Grifa (Lungomare Guglielmo Marconi, 56 Lido di Venezia), an extract will be presented during an event organised during the days of the 81st Venice International Film Festival, in the presence of the director and the cast. Press activities will follow with lunch and aperitif.
SYNOPSIS
Recovering from a repressed childhood abuse, Nora (Samantha Casella) has developed an indecipherable personality, almost as if she wanted to relive that ancient injustice. Nora has a secret relationship with Aron (Francesco Leone), a young orphan, whose guardianship is the responsibility of Jacob (Bruno Bilotta), a cynical manager who made him a star and built a facade of private life for him.
Nora’s existence is known only to those who gravitate around the prison-house where the couple lives: a majestic villa, the scene of secrets, lies, deceptions, as well as disturbing episodes since Nora is able to communicate with the souls of the afterlife. Ambiguous characters revolve around them, with inconsolable pain, which put the subtle balance between Aron and Nora in jeopardy.
Weighing down on the fate of each is the witch, an entity attributable to the tarot card of the empress; evoked by Nora during a nightmare she had as a child and to whom she asked to enter that kingdom without salvation.
CAST ARTISTIC
In addition to Samantha Casella, Francesco Leone, Bruno Bilotta and Marina Rocco. And also Jacopo Olmo Antinori, Vanessa Marini, Reyson Grumelli, Roberto Rizzoni, Marco Iannitello, Matteo Fiori, Giuditta Corsi.