Angelo Donzella
The Plan
We are happy to be here with Angelo Donzella, actor and director. Angelo, as a first question we would like to know how you manage this dual soul both behind the camera and in front of it. What do you feel when you perform and what when you direct?
I would first like to thank you for giving me that opportunity. It is not always easy to manage my dual soul since the world of independent cinema cannot count on the presence of a production to provide all the necessary technical means. In my previous medium-length film “SURVEILLANCE” I had the dual role of director and actor. It was complicated to manage but everything went well thanks to the fundamental help of Sergio Milani, video operator and assistant director. For my new short film “THE PLAN” I preferred to devote myself exclusively to directing and the technical part.
Time was tight: THE PLAN was made in only 24 hours of continuous shooting (excluding the two nights) and I could not have devoted myself to acting in such a short time. Having acted for so many years allows me to know this world well and to empathize with my actors, always managing to get what I want from each of them expressed. I loved acting and still find it exciting, but my favorite part is the character creation in which the personality of my alter-ego is born and shaped. The role of director for me is more rewarding because it allows me to realize what initially began as a simple idea.
Tell us about your career? How did you get started in filmmaking?
I started filmmaking in 1993. It wasn’t until 2020, during the pandemic period, that I started directing, with my first short film “ISOLATION,” co-created with Roberto Loiacono. The jump to directing was possible because of 30 years of experience on set as an actor and a passion for photography that I have been practicing since 1983.
But you are also a musician. How does this impact the projects you make?
Yes, I am also a musician, I played in various bands in the 80s and 90s, but then I stopped to devote myself to filmmaking. I currently collaborate permanently with two composers-Paolo CERCATO, who played in my first band in 1987, and Mark MECCOLI, who joined our film band over a year ago. My discrete musical knowledge greatly influences my film works. Fortunately, I have a very good understanding with my two musical collaborators, who always manage to grasp the meaning of my requests and carry them out.
Definitely the fact that we “speak the same language” referring to music, greatly facilitates our understanding. I am sure it is not easy for them to put up with my constant intrusions and frequent demands, aimed at getting the result I want.
How did you learn about Milan Shorts and how does the experience with the festival look so far?
I learned about Milan Short by following the page on Instagram and seeing many interesting things. I believe that Milan Shorts is a truly remarkable Festival. I appreciate the attention paid to the directors, the respect for all the works presented and the effective communication, things which in my opinion are a clear sign of the passion for cinema. With great competence, the Milan Short Film Festival does not forget that many directors (as in my case) produce films with their own savings, simply out of passion.
Do you have plans for the future? Any other projects in mind? Do you want to reveal anything to us?
Yes, I have 3 projects planned that I hope to realize by 2025. The first will be a short Short Film, which will deal with a touching topic, but I don’t want to spoil anything about it. Then I would like to make a Short Film that will be set in Calabria, the land of my wife Maria Rosaria Scicchitano, who deals with screenplays, acting and production. Finally, I would like to be able to make a feature film with a Mystery/Social feel which is currently in the pre-production phase, waiting for a sponsor to arrive or, better yet, a production that can lend us a hand and provide support.
I would like to conclude by thanking Simone Nepote André (Actor & Photographer) who, in addition to acting in many of my projects, being a professional photographer, provides me with invaluable help, taking care of the creation of the official promotional photos – including the poster – with results that totally satisfied me.