JUST ONE LAST TIME

An emotional journey into the heart of a young woman searching for light in a world of shadows, battling the darkness of her addiction and seeking refuge in a sincere love, free from expectations and judgment.

It’s the dawn of a new day, one like many others. Maria sits at the bus stop, her gaze fixed on her smartphone, where a video plays, revealing happy moments with her boyfriend—a vivid contrast between the innocence of love and the dark fate looming over her.

As the sun begins to rise in the sky, the city's narrow alleys become the stage where the protagonist, with her ever-changing personal soundtrack playing in her ears, walks alone while shops open and the city awakens—symbolizing the transition from night to day. Maria seems to exist in her own world, following rules and behaviors almost as if constructing a shell around herself to block out the pain.

Her kindness is evident from the start—both in her tearful gaze as she watches the video and when she encounters a homeless man to whom she offers her last cigarette. However, the duality of her existence soon emerges, accompanied by the effects of her withdrawal. Maria steps into a public restroom, where she experiences a brief panic attack, realizing she desperately needs a dose. The rhythm of the soundtrack shifts, as does her behavior, mirroring the increasing frenzy of the now fully awake city. Time moves both fast and slow. Her withdrawal intensifies, and Maria begins calling her "benevolent devil" compulsively in search of a fix.

Her internal struggle resurfaces when she finds herself "trapped" amidst a school group. Initially distracted by her anxieties, she allows herself a tender smile as she meets the enthusiastic eyes of the children on their field trip. But when Roger, her dealer, calls her phone, she surrenders once again to the sudden return of her addiction.

Maria walks swiftly toward her destination, immersing herself in the most desolate and decayed part of the city's backstreets. She finally reaches Roger’s apartment, where she chooses to sell her body for a dose—one last time. Their encounter is crude and violent, yet visually represented through a fiery and evocative tango. Their gazes—Maria’s empty, Roger’s devious and satisfied—reveal a grim reality stripped of all morality.

As the day progresses, Maria emerges from the apartment with her dose finally in her system, seemingly reborn. However, this apparent return to normalcy is merely a thin veil concealing the truth. Night approaches, and Maria finally boards the bus she had skipped that morning, heading toward her boyfriend’s house. During the ride, she experiences a moment of suspension and reflection; through a sequence of messages, she seeks redemption.

The epilogue unfolds at Matteo’s home, during his birthday dinner, surrounded by joy and carefree laughter. Later, Maria and Matteo are finally alone; the video that had previously moved her to tears is revealed as a gift she had prepared for him.

As they watch it together, the scene feels as if it belongs to another story, almost making Maria forget everything else. But as she sees the love in Matteo’s eyes reflecting back at her—despite her demons and guilt—a single tear rolls down her cheek, the silent mark of a past that relentlessly haunts her future.

  • FABRIZIO DENARO
    Director
  • ALAIN REDAELLI
    Producer
    NELLE SCARPE DI DORA, IL CUORE DELLA CITTA',LA VITA ARIDA, IL SEGRETO DELLA DEA, ROAD TO MERAVIGLIE, LE VIE DEL BENESSERE
  • FRANCESCA PAPINI
    Producer
    NELLE SCARPE DI DORA, IL CUORE DELLA CITTA', LA VIRA ARIDA, LE VIE DEL BENESSERE, ROAD TO MERAVIGLIE
  • ELISABETTA TOZZATO
    Key Cast
    "MARIA"
  • WOODY NERI
    Key Cast
    "ROGER"
  • MATTEO TRAVERSO
    Key Cast
    "MATTEO"
  • DANIELA PAOLA ROSSI
    Key Cast
    "DANIELA"
  • FABRIZIO DENARO
    Writer
  • FEDERICO SARTORI
    Writer
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ANCORA UN'ULTIMA VOLTA
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    12,000 EUR
  • Country of Origin:
    Italy
  • Country of Filming:
    Italy
  • Language:
    Italian
  • Shooting Format:
    RED
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - FABRIZIO DENARO

Fabrizio Denaro (born on July 14, 1983) is a director and screenwriter, passionate about the dramatic
genre and fascinated by the mystery of psychological thrillers. He has dedicated his life to cultivate his
passions and draw inspiration from them, transforming them into cinematic works. From a young age,
Fabrizio demonstrated a strong thirst for knowledge, learning unusual trades such as working as a
croupier in the casinos of Nice on the beautiful French Riviera. But his curiosity didn't stop there: his
open mind and passion for psychology led him to broaden his horizons and delve into the complexity
of the characters he brings to life on screen.
His passion for cinema has grown over the years, becoming the centerpiece
of his existence. He attended a film school, where he graduated and began
writing his first short films. During his educational journey, he studied the
works of cinema masters such as Stanley Kubrick, Federico Fellini, Sergio
Leone, and Christopher Nolan, seeking to learn from each of them and
developing a unique style of his own. Every work of his contains an element
of truth, which he modifies to reflect his more "cynical" and "ironic"
perspectives. Drawing inspiration from life itself, as well as from auteur films
and occasionally Japanese comics, is an unlimited source of creativity for
him. He showcases this in every project and demonstrates his ability to adapt
to different target audiences.
Fabrizio started his career in cinema in 2010, working as a screenwriter and first assistant director for
the short film "4k" directed by Luigi Maria Perotti. In 2014, he directed his first true short film, "Una
Favola V/Nera," winning the "My Giffoni Film Festival" and introducing himself to the world of
cinema.
Filmography
Director
Docu-film: “Il Leone e la Farfalla” by Mediterranea Productions (2022)
TV Show: “We/Noi” By Beulke & Partners (2021)
Docu-film: “Indelible” by Fool Film Production (2021)
Music Video: “Mille Strade” by Bumo (2021)
Music Video: “Seum” by Pai Pai (2020)
Cinematic ADV Trailer: “Costa Asia Show” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Spot: “Costa Venice” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Promo series: “Lucid Dream” by Fool Film Production (2018)
Music Video: “Il bene che ti vuoi” by Zero plastica (2018)
Music Video: “Un mondo magnifico” by Dario Mason (2018)
Spot: “Ionic” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Santa-Fe” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “New Kona” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Tucson” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Be a Hero” by BMW (2018)
Spot: “Golf Experience” by BMW (2018)
Promotional Spot: “Fiat” by Fin Arte (2018)
Spot: “Xdrive Experience” by BMW (2018)
Music Video: ”Dark Horse” by Yardarosa (2017)
Spot: “Make-Up” by Q-Studio (2017)
Music Video:” Il sangue dell'amore” by Caterina Rizzo (2017)
Short movie: “Clown Hysteria” (2016)
Promo series: “Le Ciclostoriche di Franceschini” by Arcobaleno Production (2016)
Promo series: “The Ink Age” by Fool Film Production (2016)
Spot “Seven, the magic number” by Soho Company (2016)
Talent Show:”MTB sfida ai Pro” by Bike Channel (2016)
Short movie: “Come Noi” by Fool Film Production (2016)
Music Video: “FYA” by Zero Plastica (2016)
Music Video: “Rimario Bross” by PK Industry (2015)
Spot: “Bloody Tales” by Magic Games Party (2015)
Music video: “Panini” by Asher Kuno (2015)
Music Video: “Skywalker” by Izy (2014)
Short movie: ”Una favola V/Nera”, Winner of “My Giffoni Film Festival” (2014)
Music Video: “Kubla Khan” by Dala Pai Pai, Winner “Honiro channel (2013)
Short movie: ”A good deep” by Fool Film Production (2013)
Short movie: ”La luna in bottiglia” by App Event (2013)
Short movie: ”Shampoo negli occhi” by “Tutto in 48 ore” (2012)
Music video: “Vogliono” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Music video: “Troppo Banale” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Short movie; “Emisfero sinistro” by Scuola D’arte Cinematografica (2011)
Executive Producer
Docu-film: “Indelible” by Fool Film Production (2021)
Music Video: “Seum” by Pai Pai (2020)
Cinematic ADV Trailer: “Costa Asia Show” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Spot: “Costa Venice” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Promo series: “Lucid Dream” by Fool Film Production (2018)
Music Video: “Il bene che ti vuoi” by Zero plastica (2018)
Spot: “Suv Generation” by Hyundai (2018)
Music Video: ”Dark Horse” by Yardarosa (2017)
Promo series: “The Ink Age” by Fool Film Production (2016)
Spot “Seven, the magic number” by Soho Company (2016)
Short movie: “Come Noi” by Fool Film Production (2016)
Music video: “Panini” by Asher Kuno (2015)
Music Video: “Skywalker” by Izy (2014)
Short movie: ”A good deep” by Fool Film Production (2013)
Music video: “Vogliono” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Music video: “Troppo Banale” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Short Movie: ”4k” by Luigi Maria Perotti (2011)
First Assistant
“Altrove” a film by Vittorio Rifranti (2023)
“Gli Assenti” a film by Vittorio Rifranti (2023)
“I perdenti e gli eroi” a Music video by Velvet (2014)
”Why don't we do it in the road” a Music video by Kutzo (2014)
“Behind the Painting” a Short movie by Giulia Savi (2013)
“Cane Blu” a Short movie by Federica Barcellona (2012)
”4k” a short movie by Luigi Maria Perotti (2011)
Editing
Docu-film: “Il Leone e la Farfalla” by Mediterranea Productions (2022)
Docu-film: “The Phenomic Age” by Maurizio Gigola (2022)
TV Show: “We/Noi” By Beulke & Partners (2021)
Docu-film: “Indelible” by Fool Film Production (2021)
Music video: “Mille Strade” by Bumo (2021)
Music video: “Ci sarò” by Alfa (2021)
Spot “Focus Live” by Focus Live (2020)
Spot “The Circular Tour” by Eni (2020)
Cinematic ADV Trailer: “Costa Asia Show” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Tv Show “Never stop seeing the unseen” by Esaote
Promo series: “Lucid Dream” by Fool Film Production (2018)
Music Video: “Il bene che ti vuoi” by Zero plastica (2018)
Music Video: “Un mondo magnifico” by Dario Mason (2018)
Spot: “Ionic” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Santa-Fe” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “New Kona” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Tucson” by Hyundai (2018)
Spot: “Be a Hero” by BMW (2018)
Spot: “Golf Experience” by BMW (2018)
Promotional Spot: “Fiat” by Fin Arte (2018)
Music Video:” Il sangue dell'amore” by Caterina Rizzo (2017)
Talent Show:”MTB sfida ai Pro” by Bike Channel (2016)
Screenplay
Short movie: “True tear” by independent production (2023)
Docu-film: “Il Leone e la Farfalla” by Mediterranea Productions (2022)
Docu-film: “Indelible” by Fool Film Production (2021)
Music Video: “Mille Strade” by Bumo (2021)
Music Video: “Seum” by Pai Pai (2020)
Cinematic ADV Trailer: “Costa Asia Show” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Spot: “Costa Venice” by Costa Crouise (2019)
Promo series: “Lucid Dream” by Fool Film Production (2018)
Music Video: “Il bene che ti vuoi” by Zero plastica (2018)
Music Video: “Un mondo magnifico” by Dario Mason (2018)
Spot: “Be a Hero” by BMW (2018)
Spot: “Golf Experience” by BMW (2018)
Music Video: ”Dark Horse” by Yardarosa (2017)
Short movie: “Clown Hysteria” (2016)
Promo series: “Le Ciclostoriche di Franceschini” by Arcobaleno Production (2016)
Promo series: “The Ink Age” by Fool Film Production (2016)
Spot “Seven, the magic number” by Soho Company (2016)
Talent Show: ”MTB sfida ai Pro” by Bike Channel (2016)
Music Video: “FYA” by Zero Plastica (2016)
Music Video: “Rimario Bross” by PK Industry (2015)
Music Video: “Skywalker” by Izy (2014)
Short movie: ”Una favola V/Nera”, Winner of “My Giffoni Film Festival” (2014)
Music Video: “Kubla Khan” by Dala Pai Pai, Winner “Honiro channel (2013)
Short movie: ”A good deep” by Fool Film Production (2013)
Short movie: ”Shampoo negli occhi” by “Tutto in 48 ore” (2012)
Music video: “Vogliono” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Music video: “Troppo Banale” by Dala Pai Pai (2012)
Short movie; “Emisfero sinistro” by Scuola D’arte Cinematografica (2011)

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Ancora un'ultima volta" è un cortometraggio nato dal bisogno di esplorare una realtà spesso ignorata o minimizzata, nonostante la sua tragica diffusione: la tossicodipendenza. È un racconto intimo che prende spunto da una storia vera, una delle tante che condividono lo stesso finale amaro, ma che rappresenta una problematica universale.

La protagonista, Maria, non è un caso isolato, ma il simbolo di un disagio più profondo. Ho scelto intenzionalmente di affidare questo ruolo a una ragazza bella e apparentemente normale per enfatizzare un messaggio cruciale: la tossicodipendenza, così come la depressione, non fa distinzioni. Non importa l’aspetto esteriore o la provenienza sociale; chiunque può essere vulnerabile. Maria incarna la difficoltà di trovare il proprio posto in una società che sembra sempre più escludente e competitiva, soprattutto per i giovani.

Questo corto non si limita a raccontare una storia. È una riflessione sull'incapacità di prendere la "scelta giusta", anche quando sembra ovvia, un’incapacità amplificata dall'indole umana e dal senso di isolamento. Attraverso la narrazione, voglio ricordare a chi si trova in questa situazione che non c’è vergogna nel chiedere aiuto e che c'è sempre una possibilità di riscatto, anche quando sembra impossibile.

La regia è stata guidata dall’intento di rappresentare visivamente il contrasto tra ciò che Maria è e ciò che vorrebbe essere. Gli spazi, le luci e persino i movimenti della macchina da presa riflettono questa dualità e la spirale discendente del suo percorso. La scena finale, con la domanda implicita se sia possibile cambiare, è volutamente aperta, per lasciare allo spettatore l’opportunità di riflettere e, forse, di empatizzare.

"Ancora un'ultima volta" non è solo un cortometraggio, ma un appello. È un tentativo di portare alla luce ciò che spesso rimane sepolto fino a quando non ci colpisce da vicino.