«For years I have been terrified of the judgment of others»- Corriere.it

«It’s a film that makes you think of today, of young people who are fighting the war in Ukraine, young people who are aware of their destiny. Besides, those who want it and unleash it never go to war, they stay comfortably at home ». The link between past and present even in apparently distant events. Giuseppe Fiorello plays the ace of aviation Francesco Baracca in the docu-film Sky Hunters. «I admit that I didn’t know Baracca very much, I associate his name above all with the squares and streets named after him smiles the actor. I discovered a character who has achieved extraordinary feats, a daredevil, a great pioneer of civil and military flight. It was precisely this visionary aspect that struck me, the genius and ingenuity of man have always fascinated me». Flying at the bottom is also dreaming. «The meaning of flight is also metaphorical, it refers to the imagination. At the time it must have been special, these aviators were in the sky, completely uncovered, with little shelter, on planes that looked like big toys, they had physical contact with the clouds, full of adrenaline. Let’s face it, they were also totally insane».

More than 30 victories in combat in the skies, Baracca was the example of a group of avant-gardists of flight who distinguished themselves for their actions and their courage during the First World War. But his is also a story of friendshipwith Ruggero Piccio (aviator who later became the first Chief of Staff of the Air Force) and with Bartolomeo, the mechanic who took care of his plane. The melò is ensured instead by the love for a young opera singer (spolier, but we know anyway: he will die at the age of 30 in combat).

Produced by Anele with the Patronage of Aeronautica Militare (whose centenary is celebrated this year), in collaboration with Rai Documentari, in co-production with Luce Cinecittà, the documentary film Sky Hunters will be broadcast on Wednesday 29 March in prime time on Rai1. «I am particularly happy that Rai can once again play its public service role, telling the story of a military institution which, for a hundred years, has guaranteed and defended the freedom of Italians, and giving back to the public, still alive and glowing , the emotions and values ​​that accompanied the deeds of its first heroes, above all the ace of the skies Francesco Baracca». explains Fabrizio Zappi, director of Rai Documentari. The producer (with her Anele) Gloria Giorgianni thus summarizes the project: «We talk about human feelings, friendship, understanding and sacrifice. There is the solitude of a fearless man, but also the camaraderie of a group of heroes animated by important values. It is also the story of young people who had a vision — flight — accompanied by the desire to go beyond limits. And in this sense an important message passes: with courage and determination, much greater goals can be achieved». The docu-film mixes real fiction with precious archival materials (period photos and films) and the insert of original animations that give the product a mixture of different languages.

Baracca is added to the gallery of real characters that Giuseppe Fiorello interpreted (among many, Salvo D’Acquisto, Modugno, the bandit Sante Pollastri): «I’m curious. I think that each of us has an interesting story to tell, even the most unexpected secondary character, even a neighbor; it is the fascination of the mystery of people». A way to learn too: «I took advantage of my job to know and understand, to discover characters and facts of life. Experiences that have given me so much.

The acting vocation pertains to the intricate geographies of the soul. From his father he took the taste of the storyteller: «But I didn’t have the actor’s urgency inside, but I liked the idea of ​​getting on a pedestal and telling stories. It was clear to me but I ran away from this thought out of shyness». Mother worked on the public: «He instilled in me the fear of being judged by others». Not easy for someone who’s an actor: «I’ve learned to overcome it, but for years I’ve been terrified of the opinion of others, but who isn’t? We live by the judgment of others».