Riccardo Milani: «In my films I tell the stories of human beings, I find them in small towns»

The director Riccardo Milani, 67 years old, talking about his latest film “Life goes like this”produced by Medusaon screens from 23 October, says he chose to set his stories in small towns because there he still finds humanity and authentic emotions. At the center of the film is the conflict between economic development and territorial protection, two dimensions which, according to the director, should proceed together but rarely find a balance.

To build the protagonist he met numerous shepherds in Sardinia, choosing Ignazio Loi for his purity and moral integrity. The cast was personally chosen by Milani, who looked for actors united by shared sensitivity and intentions. The shepherd’s story describes forced uprooting as an ethical violation even before a political one. «Ripping people away from their roots, says the director, is an act that destroys humanity». The film denounces the profound consequences of expropriations and invasions on individual and collective destiny.
On the future of new collaborations with his wife Paola Cortellesisuch as a film together again, Milani does not go too far but recognizes her talent as an actress and director. “It will be complicated, she is an extraordinary actress and director and I always root for her.”