Watch the Trailer
Overview
Multi-award-winning film director Rossano B. Maniscalchi is poised to deliver another stunning piece of cinema.
Rossano is to direct this film in his role as a member of the non-profit artistic association The Hearing Eyes. The Hearing Eyes was formed to realize independent cinematographic projects.
Creative Statement
Life can be unpredictable, taking us down paths we never imagined. And sometimes, it may feel like we’re headed toward oblivion. But all it takes is a single moment to change everything.
In our upcoming film, we draw inspiration from the world of fashion to tell a powerful story of a model struggling with anorexia. Through her journey of recovery, she discovers a new identity free from the cultural constraints and pressures that once held her back.
But this is no ordinary story. It’s a tale of strong emotions and failed relationships, where the harsh realities of life come crashing down. It’s a gripping portrayal of a difficult reality that many of us face every day.
With a deep and critical perspective, our film offers a raw and authentic portrayal of the struggles we face, and the strength it takes to overcome them. So join us on this powerful journey, as we explore the depths of the human experience and the triumph of the human spirit.
Synopsis
In the cutthroat world of modeling, Alex is a prisoner of her own image. Her body, once her own, has become a mute object for the camera lens, pushing her to become thinner and perform better.
It is an imperative that Alex seems unable to escape.
The pressure from her agency employer and the constant criticism of her figure is taking its toll. Even her boyfriend’s attention to other models adds to her anguish.
Though she is a professional, her lack of nutrition and constant vomiting threatens her career.
Alex is exhausted, depressed, and desperate, descending deeper into despair and psychopathology.
But just as it seems like there is no hope left, something, or someone intervenes, helping her recover her sense of self and purpose.
Finally, Alex’s illness lands her in the hospital, where she receives the support of a psychologist and joins a self-help group.
Through dangerous transitions and repeated failures, she begins to see herself as a beautiful and valuable person beyond the superficiality of modeling.
As the film comes to a close, Alex has been transformed. No longer a slave to her image, she emerges strong and confident, unafraid of the future.
In this gripping tale of redemption and resilience, we witness the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting of challenges.
Cast and Crew
Director Rossano B. Maniscalchi
Rossano B. Maniscalchi has been making and producing award-winning films for over five years. He has a great deal of experience in organizing, financing and producing films that have won international acclaim.
Click here for Rossano B. Maniscalchi’s Filmography!
For more about Rossano and his work, see below (“Producer/Director – Rossano B. Maniscalchi“).
Actress Eleonora Pieroni
Eleonora began her career as a model parading on prestigious catwalks representing international high fashion brands.
She has acted in various Italian films including, Nati Due Volte and Copperman with Luca Argentero, played in the TV series Don Matteo, and in 2021 appeared in the NetFlix American TV series Paper Empire. She also starred in the American film State of Consciousness with Emile Hirsch, directed by Marcus Stokes.
Eleonora loves to write and maintains her own online column “An Italian in New York”, she also hosts the YouTube channel ‘Eleonora Pieroni LIVE’.
Eleonora has modeled for Rossano Maniscalchi and had a role in his award-winning film The Key to Heaven (here above).
Actress Mara New
Mara New was born in Milan, a scion of the Beltrami House of Fashion, which is still active today. Mara originally as a dancer, performing in Australia and Canada.
In Los Angeles she turned to acting. She appeared opposite Rance Howard in Night Club with Ernest Borgnine, Paul Sorvino and Mickey Rooney. She produced 3 DAYS of Hamlet with Richard Chamberlain, Stefanie Powers and Alex Hyde White, winning Best Feature Documentary for Best Film at the IFFF. In 2019, she appeared in Night Walk with Mickey Rourke, Sean Stone and Eric Roberts. You can see her complete filmography in IMDB.
Mara has produced several CDs for Jazz/Blues singer Barbara Morrison and her acclaimed one woman show “I Wanna be Loved” for which she was nominated for best producer by the NAACP. With a repertoire of more than 50 films plus more than 20 theater productions she is still active in the Hollywood Scene.
Actress Martina Pinzani
Martina is, as you can see from the material already filmed, a young and talented actress.
Rossano Maniscalchi chose Martina for the role of “Alex” and shot key scenes for the film concept for A Thin Slice of Life in 2021. You can see some of those scenes here!
Martina began her career as a fashion model. She has represented international brands and has appeared in major magazines such as Glamour and Effe.
After debuting in Paolo Sorrentino’s films Loro (2018) and Loro 2 (2018), Pinzani had a leading role in Play Boy directed by Domenico Costanzo in 2022.
Actor Duane March
Duane’s path to his film role began in 1992 while a Ph.D. student and part-time fashion model when he met Rossano Maniscalchi.
He subsequently collaborated with Rossano on some photographic projects 2003-2005. In 2021 Rossano cast him as the voice narrator for his film In the Ring.
Duane then also narrated Rossano’s film The Key to Heaven in 2022 – and won the prize for BEST NARRATION at the prestigious La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival.
This film will mark Duane’s international debut as an actor.
Actress Kristi Ritchey
An American actress, born in Pennsylvania, she made her acting debut in Anyway (directed by Rossano Maniscalchi).
Kristi enjoyed a successful career in finance before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue her passion: spirituality and meditation.
She became a meditation coach in 2012 and continues to use the technique to be present and “in the moment” to give the possible acting performance.
She now calls Florence, Italy home.
Story / Screenwriting Fulvio Carbone
Fulvio is a psychologist and psychotherapist and specializes as a clinical therapist for individuals and couples. He is therefore uniquely qualified to write the screenplay for the psychological drama “A Thin Slice of Life”.
Fulvio has already been a screenwriter for Rossano Maniscalchi on several film projects, including the award-winning Anyway (2020).
Art Direction Serena Del Nero
Serena Del Nero has been Rossano B. Maniscalchi’s closest collaborator since 2011. In recent years she has worked with him in fashion and art projects around the world.
Serena has received nominations and awards for her work as Art Director for the Maniscalchi films: Failing Light (2017), Touch Me (2018), Denying Beauty (2019), Anyway (2020), In the Ring (2021), The Key to Heaven (2022).
She was also scenographer for the film In the Ring.
Scenography Carlo Anzilotti
An architect since 1980, Carlo has developed projects in architecture, interior design, scenography, retail spaces, entertainment, exhibitions, events, and diverse experiences in Europe, Africa and China.
Carlo has already collaborated with Rossano Maniscalchi on several film projects.
He has won awards for “Best Scenography”, including for the Maniscalchi films Denying Beauty (Best Istanbul Film Festival 2020) and Anyway (11th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival in 2020).
Camera Francesco Buggea
Francesco studied at the National Independent Cinema School of Florence in 2009, excelling in the disciplines of Editing, Video Shooting, Audio and Photography.
He was the chief cameraman for Rossano Maniscalchi’s award-winning film The Key to Heaven and the upcoming film Beyond.
He has also worked for 10 years as a cameraman for the local Florence television stations RTV8, Italia7, TV Prato, TELE Iride, as well as for Mediaset.
Assistant Producer Francesca Marallo
Press & Media Nicole Gillet
Nicole has been involved with a number of films directed by Rossano Maniscalchi. Her experience is extensive.
She worked at Italian branch Yves-Saint Laurent Beauty Trade Marketing sector and conducted public relations for Full Magazine and was public relations agent and journalist for Florence News and Events. In 2018 she was Director of Oltrarno Media Press.
In October 2019 and in November 2020 she won awards at the Festival Rive Gauche, Florence for First Novel Work and for Best Humorous Theatrical Script.
Makeup & Hairstyling
Sandy Lee Pereya Orosco Makeup & Hairstyling
Ilaria Guidi Makeup
Matilde Del Corso Makeup
Director – Rossano B. Maniscalchi
Rossano has been making and producing award-winning films for over five years. He has a great deal of experience in organizing, financing and producing films that have won international acclaim.
As a highly acclaimed photographer and film maker Rossano has worked with many high-profile fashion brands, and his commercial work is limited to specifically chosen high caliber brands.
Rossano works with esteemed companies on promotional films for products that are unique and prominent within the fashion world. His work has always been outstanding, whether in the field of portraiture, art, still life, fashion, culture, beauty and glamour photography, or in advertising and in his work with celebrities such as:
- Barack Obama
- Tilda Swinton
- Prince (now King) Charles
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Wim Wenders
- Susan Sontag
- Ray Manzarek (The Doors)
- Mikhail Gorbachev
- Salman Rushdie
- Andrea Bocelli
- Milos Forman
- Michelangelo Antonioni
- Alain Delon
- Roberto Benigni
- Rita Levi Montalcini
- Dalai Lama
- Dario Fo
- Paoul Auster
- Michael Cunningham
… just to name a few.
As photographer and filmmaker he has collaborated in advertising campaigns for Ferragamo Shoes, Sunglasses by Armani, Cartier, Ungaro, Gap, Guess, Limited, Stefanel, Max Mara, Calvin Klein Shoes, Levi’s, Role and Mercedes Benz.
Maniscalchi’s extensive photography portfolio has been exhibited extensively at art galleries and museums throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. His work continues to maintain important global recognition and his published books have received critical acclaim.
The following is a short selection of the awards and nominations his films have received:
Best Fashion Short and Best Fashion Audience Choice for “The Key to Heaven” – Film Miami Fest / Best Shorts Worldwide 2022
Best Cinematography for “Anyway” – Croatia Fashion Film Festival 2022
Best Narration for “The Key to Heaven” (Narrator: Duane March) – 13th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival 2022
Best Cinematography for “Anyway” – Style, Experimental, Fashion Film Festival Jan. 2022, Los Angeles
Best Director for “In the Ring” – Best Istanbul Film Festival 2022
Best Director for “Touch Me” – Best Istanbul Film Festival 2021
Best Cinematography for “Anyway” – Best Istanbul Film Festival 2020
Best Cinematography for “Anyway” – 11th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival 2020
Best Artistic Director for “Denying Beauty” – Palm Beach International Mini Movie & Film Festival 2019
Best Director for “Denying Beauty” – 10th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival 2019
Best Supporting Fashion Brand for “Touch Me” – 9th La Jolla International Fashion Film Festival 2018