The Medieval and Renaissance Studies program will host a free screening of "Il Moro," an Italian short film about Duke Alessandro de’ Medici of Florence, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 in Andrews Hall, Room 117. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with the director.
"Il Moro," or "The Moor," follows the true story of 16th-century Duke Alessandro de’ Medici of Florence, the illegitimate son of an enslaved woman of African descent and Pope Clement VII. The film invites viewers to broaden understanding of history and who makes it, as well as to question who attempts to rewrite it. Alessandro's story parallels the struggles of modern Black Europeans, which is what inspired the writer and director Daphne Di Cinto.
“In Italy, Black-face and the N-word are still allowed on TV and people who were born and raised in Italy to two immigrant parents are still denied the right to citizenship," Di Cinto said. “Alessandro’s story seeks to shine a light on both our continued presence in the continent throughout history and to the still-existing consequences of colonialism today.”
"Il Moro" was long listed for the 2024 Academy Awards in the category of “Best Live Action Short Film." It has received several film accolades worldwide, including being named the winner of the 2022 Black Italian Movie Awards, the 2022 Integrazione Film Festival, and the 2021 Fabrique du Cinéma Awards. The film also won Best Short Narrative at the 2022 Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Best Acting Ensemble at the 2022 Venezia Shorts Film Festival.
The event is presented by UNL Medieval and Renaissance Studies program, UNO Medieval and Renaissance Studies program, and with support from Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
