Private Project

Filomena la prima Donna

In 1920s Naples, Filomena de Stefano is a determined young woman striving to become a lawyer, challenging gender prejudices and the rise of fascism. To obtain her qualification, she must face a decisive interview, but she is hindered by influential male lawyers who seek to deny her success.

  • Matteo Notaro
    Director
  • Matteo Notaro
    Writer
  • Fabio Ferrari
    Writer
    Co-Writer
  • Fondazione Avvocatura Napoletana per l'Alta Formazione Forense
    Producer
  • Maria Meo
    Key Cast
    "Filomena de Stefano"
    Attrice
  • Antonella Stefanucci
    Key Cast
    "Adele de Stefano"
    Attrice
  • Gabriele Gava
    Key Cast
    "Pasquale Grippo"
    Attore
  • Domenico Ciruzzi
    Key Cast
    "Alberto Marghieri"
    Attore
  • Alfredo Ciruzzi
    Key Cast
    "Guardia"
    Attore
  • Alfredo Sorge
    Key Cast
    "Antonio Venditti"
    Attore
  • Carmine Foreste
    Key Cast
    "Antonio Rinaldi"
    Attore
  • Sergio Longhi
    Key Cast
    "Giuseppe D'Andria"
    Attore
  • Emanuele Arfè
    Troupe List
    Direttore della Fotografia & Montatore
  • Clara D'Aquino
    Troupe List
    Aiuto Regia
  • Gaia Pagliaro
    Troupe List
    Segretaria di Edizione
  • Angela D'Onofrio
    Troupe List
    Direttrice di Produzione
  • Francesca Tramice
    Troupe List
    Direttrice di Produzione
  • Cristiana Sannino
    Troupe List
    Assistente di Produzione
  • Vincenzo Maria Giordano
    Troupe List
    Runner
  • Lucia Senatore
    Troupe List
    Elettricista
  • Lucia Imparato
    Troupe List
    Macchinista
  • Bianca Carfizzi
    Troupe List
    Costumista
  • Carmen Battagliese
    Troupe List
    Costumista
  • Monica Summone
    Troupe List
    Make Up Artist
  • Rossana Puca
    Troupe List
    Fonico di Presa Diretta
  • Florinda Prota
    Troupe List
    Compositrice
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    Filomena la prima Donna
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drammatico, Storico
  • Runtime:
    12 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 12, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Italy
  • Country of Filming:
    Italy
  • Language:
    English, Italian
  • Shooting Format:
    Iphone 15 pro max
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Matteo Notaro

Matteo Notaro, born in 1999, is an Italian director, screenwriter, and art director whose versatility has embraced cinema, theater, and visual arts. After graduating from classical high school, he continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Naples, earning a degree in Cinema with top honors.

His career took off in 2018 as the art director of the contemporary art exhibition *Vesuvio in the Box* by artist Gennaro Regina. Since then, he has demonstrated remarkable versatility, curating solo exhibitions, working as a photographer, and, most notably, distinguishing himself in the world of cinema and theater. For years, he has collaborated with numerous performing artists, working as an assistant director. Matteo has worked alongside prominent figures such as Massimo Andrei, contributing to impactful theater productions and short films.

His debut behind the camera came with the direction of short films such as *Nico* and *Guagliò*, followed by significant projects like the short film *Sotto lo stesso cielo* (2023), in which he served as director, screenwriter, and producer. His signature can also be found in theater productions and docu-shorts, including the recent *La Ginestra* (2024). His latest works include the short films *Filomena la prima donna* (2024) and *Operazione Finale* (2024), for which he handled both writing and directing.

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Director Statement

*Filomena la prima Donna* immerses the viewer in 1920s Naples, a time of social and cultural contrasts. The direction aims to explore the struggle of a young woman against gender prejudice and oppression, crafting an emotional and visually captivating narrative.

Through an aesthetic that blends historical authenticity with modern arrangements, the film evokes deep emotions. Filomena’s character is the beating heart of the story, embodying courage and determination that resonate universally. The cinematography, warm and dramatic, combined with the era’s rich sound details, transports the audience on a journey that balances emotional introspection and narrative tension.