A fascinating and often moving, documentary feature
Most people who were raised in Australia in the period from the 50s to the 80s would have some memory of a fabulous Italian woman (if they weren’t actually related to one!): a neighbour; a friend’s mother or Nonna; the woman who ran the local shop or cafe. Italian 20th century migration was one of the seminal cultural movements which helped shape the Australia we have today. This beautiful documentary pays tribute to that movement, and in particular the women.
Directed by Shannon Swan, Jason McFadyen and Angelo Pricolo, Signorinella consists of archival footage, interviews, and photo montages, with narration by the lovely Greta Scacchi, herself of Italian heritage. Here are the stories of women who started businesses from their sheds. Or fought for social change. Or strode the halls of parliament. All whilst raising children, and taking on active roles in their communities. Some of the featured women include Carla Zampatti, a pioneer in Australian fashion, as well as her daughter Allegra Spender, a politician. Here too are entertainment behemoth Tina Arena, renowned restaurateur Olimpia Bortolotti, and politician Franca Arena, along with many others.
Of course the stories of hard-scrabble leading to major success are inspiring. But so too, possibly even more so, are the stories of the women who didn’t become household names. They lived richly rewarding lives, raising families, working, and contributing every day to their communities. These are the women that so many of us knew growing up: women of an almost unfathomable strength.
A simply put-together, clearly narrated, love letter to Italian migrant women in Australia, Signorinella is a richly rewarding documentary for anyone interested in 20th century Australian social history, or fashion, or food, or damn fine coffee. And I think that covers just about everyone!
Signorinella is currently showing as part of the ST. ALi Italian Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
For screening times and to book tickets, click here.
For further information click here.
