In the world of short films, “Il Moro” has made its way to Drew alongside people’s perspective in film. The movie itself stands out as a mind-stimulating work of art with themes of identity and isolation. It is based on the history of Alessandro de’ Medici, who became the Duke of Florence. The story brings the messages of mixed races, self identity and discovery.
The talented Daphne Di Cinto directed this masterpiece, which takes only 20 minutes for viewers to see through the mindset of the protagonist, allowing self-discovery and the complexities of isolation in this Afro-Italian period piece. The story follows the life of Marco, a middle-aged man who lives in a small Italian village. The film opens with Marco’s common daily routine that happens to be interrupted by the brazen appearance of a mysterious mirror.
As he gazes into the mirror, Marco is spoken to by the reflection of his younger self, which sets in motion an existential exploration of identity. One of the most interesting aspects of “Il Moro” is the important use of symbolism and the carefully crafted dialogue used throughout the scenes.
The mirror is an important symbol and central motif of self-reflection for the entire film. The mention of this specific metaphor is significant because it highlights Marco’s choices, his past and how that defined his life later on. He starts to question his path of being king of Florence, Italy while his step brother tries to ruin him to take the crown.
Di Cinto’s directing is very captivating because it brings together the past and the present story of Alessandro de’ Medici, while also meshing together fantasy and reality.
The cinematography is especially impressive given that the filming only lasted less than five days. The visuals create a dreamlike atmosphere, evoking Marco’s survival of his stepbrother’s attempt to kill him for the crown in the film, even though the history of Moro stands where he has been assassinated.
The Q&A was an important part of the event since Di Cinto’s clear messages about her project show her deep passion for “Il Moro,” especially after learning that she advocated for Medici to have his name shown in the Medici Chapel after 485 years of being buried. “The Florence government claimed how having Medici’s name on his grave would be ‘africanizing’ Italy itself,” said Di Cinto as she stood on stage.
Another theme that comes up in “Il Moro” is betrayal and how Marco’s step-brother plans to ruin him for the sake of the crown. Marco as a character shows to viewers that his mistreatment was not about his race entirely but more about his next steps as far as leadership and moving forward to how he can belong despite his race. This raises many questions as to the nature of human connections and the importance of understanding an individual’s past in order to move forward and make better choices.
“Il Moro” itself is a captivating short film that provokes contemplation and deep thoughts about the emotional processes of one’s own life all in the craft of film-making. It allows viewers to reflect on their own souls when they look in the mirror.
Dalila Benmakhlouf is a junior majoring in English literature and minoring in classical studies.
