The Medieval and Renaissance Studies program will be hosting a free screening of the 2024 short film Il Moro on Nov. 18 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. in Andrews 117, City Campus. Immediately following the film, the director will offer a live Q&A.
Il Moro, or The Moor, follows the true story of sixteenth 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 their understanding of history and who makes it, as well as to question who attempts to rewrite it. Writer and director Daphne Di Cinto was inspired to tell Alessandro’s story because of its parallels to the struggles of modern Black-Europeans.
In her director’s statement on the film, Di Cinto explains: “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.” While based on historical events from the 16th century, Di Cinto affirms that “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 longlisted 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.
This programming is presented by UNL Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program, UNO Medieval and Renaissance Studies Program, and with generous support from with the generous support of Humanities Nebraska, the Nebraska Arts Council and the Nebraska Cultural Endowment.
