"Rome, foreigners and the dog I love"Apolloni talks about his latest series

Director, actor, screenwriter and producer, Francesco Apolloni he is one of those authors who never separate work from life. The success of The apartment sold out‘ are RaiPlay confirms it: a series capable of talk about integration, coexistence and transformation without rhetoric, with irony and truth. We spoke with him about this goal, his working method, his social commitment and what drives him, every time, to tell a story.

‘The sold out apartment’ exceeded all expectations. Did you expect it?

To tell the truth, nonot in this size. We hoped so, of course, because when you work on a project for a long time you believe in it all the way, but such a strong response from the public is never a given. Let’s talk about over four million viewsimportant numbers for an original RaiPlay series, and a constant presence in the Top Ten for more than a month.

I think the reason lies in word of mouth. When you tell a story in which people can recognize themselves, something clicks. ‘The sold out apartment’ deals with complex issues, such asintegration and the coexistence between different culturesbut it does so through live characters, everyday situations, even very funny ones. It’s a dramedy that talks about an Italy that already existsbut which is often not told.

The series tells of multicultural coexistence without filters. Was it a risky choice?

Absolutely yes, but it was one necessary challenge. Foreign actors are truly foreign and, when they are among each other, they speak their language. We wanted the series to be authentic, without artificial mediation. It is rare to see two Arab characters speaking Arabic in an Italian drama, but that is reality.

Initially there was some fear, understandable too, but in the end we followed that path and I think the public perceived it: that sincerity has become one of the strengths of the series.

Can we hope for a second season?

We we hope so Really. The results are there and the story lends itself to continuing. We have a story has already been written for a possible second season. RaiPlay is a platform that allows you to experiment, to dare, and when an experiment works it’s natural to want to move forward.

Nothing is taken for granted, obviously, but the hope is that this path can continue

Would a series like this have made you a millionaire in America?

Probably yes. An American friend, seeing the numbers, jokingly told me: “Now you’re rich.” It’s actually another system. In Italia let’s do more struggles to defend our products economically and culturally.

Just think of how much the actors of successful American series still earn today. I’m not saying we should get to those levels, but we certainly could give more value to those who create content which also work abroad. The French are better at this than us: they are prouder, more protective of their culture.

Pirandello he wrote: “Get away from this country that doesn’t love its own talents”. It’s a thought-provoking phrase.

Rome is always present in your works. What relationship do you have with the city?

Rome is part of me. It’s in my veins, in the way I write, in the way I look at the world. All my films are set here and I couldn’t do without it. It is a city that fascinates and tires you at the same time.

Sometimes you want to run away, but then you find yourself up there Sisto Bridgesee the sunset, Saint Peter in the background, and remains. Rome is a seductive, contradictory city, and for this reason perfect to talk about.

From actor to director: how important is the relationship with the performers?

For me the actors are co-authors. If you have a good story and good actors, you’re already halfway there. I come from an acting background and I know how much an actor’s gaze can enrich a scene, a line, a narrative choice.

In ‘The Sold Out Apartment’ it was essential that the actors were credible, humanly even before professionally. The cast it was extraordinary, da Giorgio Pasotti to the little girl Nina, up to all the other interpreters. Another secret? Do the tests. Ten days around a table completely changes the result on set.

A team effort therefore…

Yes, definitely yes. I must also extend a special thank you toMaria Pia Ammiratidirector of Rai Fiction, who believed in the project and has Septimius Colangelo who produced it.

Between actor, director, author and producer: which role do you feel is more yours?

I feel very close to figure of the showrunner, as it is understood in the United States. A figure who brings together creative vision, writing, direction and production. I like to design a project and follow it in all its phases.

There is a mission that runs through everything I do: to tell that the human being can transform. No matter where you come from or what you’ve experienced, you can change. If I can convey this message by entertaining, making people laugh or move, then I feel I have done my job well.

Is your stylistic signature dramedy?

Yes, I would say yes. I recognize myself a lot in dramedy. It is life itself that is. The great authors of Italian comedy knew this well: we laugh and cry at the same time. It is the great tradition of Italian comedy: Monicelli, Scola, Germi.

Even when I make films that seem lighter, there is always a deeper part. Telling stories, for me, means trying to give a order to chaosoffer a vision of the world, a personal interpretation.

Your commitment to San Patrignano has lasted for years. How was it born?

It started almost by chance, al Giffoni Festival. I met kids from the community what they did drug prevention and I was impressed. When I entered a San Patrignano I had a real shock.

See guys that they struggle to get up is very powerful. It’s like watching a movie live, but without the fiction. From there, shows, meetings in schools, formats and documentaries were born. Seeing students cry, recognize each other, hug each other was one of the most intense experiences of my life.

We close with Sancho: not just a dog, but a life partner

Sancho is truly a life partner. He sleeps with me, travels with me, acted in films, plays, programs. As a child I grew up with a dog and it was a very deep bond. When he died I swore I would never have one again.

Then life changes its mind for you. Dogs have an extraordinary ability: they live in the present, always. Even in illness they maintain a moving dignity. As he said Totothe dog is a gentleman. And it’s also a great lesson on how to be in the world.