“Oltre il mare”, the docufilm produced by WALCE Onlus and Sanofi, was created by recent RUFA graduates and reveals the hidden face of lung cancer.
The film has three protagonists: Aldo, Roberto and Carlotta, who, together with their caregiver, reveal the deepest and most intimate aspects of those who encounter this disease. The project – offering a different perspective on individual journeys through illness and life – was created by a group of recent RUFA Cinema graduates: Giusy Alfieri, Giorgio Leopardi, Federico Assenza, Elena Grasso, Alessandro Cuccia, Giulia De Cesare and Anna Carrubba. Directed by Giusi Alfieri and Giorgio Leopardi.
It is called “Oltre il mare” and is the documentary film created by Sanofi together with WALCE Onlus – Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe, project partner, and RUFA. A film that shines a spotlight on the delicate issue of lung cancer through an unconventional narrative style and original, personal and authentic points of view. Lung cancer remains one of the most aggressive forms of cancer today, strongly linked to the primary risk factor, smoking, and affects 2 million people worldwide every year, with more than 43.000 diagnoses in Italy alone in 2022.
Hence the importance of awareness-raising initiatives focused on healthy habits and prevention, aimed at encouraging early diagnosis, a decisive factor in the progression of the disease. This is how stories such as this one are born, using the documentary film as a tool to show how the disease affects the daily lives of those who suffer from it and those close to them, opening a precious and intimate window onto the world of Aldo, Carlotta and Roberto, the three protagonists of the film.
Three experiences, three journeys, three different yet similar lives that, at a certain point, inevitably had to make room for uncertainty, fear and hope. “Oltre il mare” tells how lung cancer forcefully entered the lives of Aldo and Roberto – who are still living with the disease – and Carlotta, who, although she has recovered, bears witness to how such an event can never truly cease to influence every part of one’s existence.
Gallery
Marcello Cattani, President and CEO of Sanofi, stated: “We have always been committed to oncology. We chose to collaborate with WALCE Onlus because of the expertise and sensitivity with which it supports and assists people affected by lung cancer, and we are proud to have invested in the young RUFA artists who were able to present the experiences of these patients from a unique and unexpected perspective, analysing how their approach to life changes and how this affects their relationships with the people around them. I believe that the result of this encounter has a powerful emotional impact and offers an important lesson for all of us, especially for younger generations”.
“WALCE was founded to raise awareness of the increasing incidence of lung cancer among women” – stated Silvia Novello, President of WALCE, Full Professor of Oncology at the University of Turin and Head of the Lung Oncology SSD at the A.O.U – “but today we engage with all stakeholders and provide support to people suffering from this disease and their loved ones on multiple levels and from multiple perspectives. It was therefore natural for us to embrace this project from the outset and become part of it, thanks to the participation of Stefania Vallone, the Association’s secretary and Carlotta’s caregiver. The patients who turn to us, with whom we remain in constant contact both in moments of pain and in moments of joy, are part of our reality, and being able to convey their feelings and ours through film was an extremely valuable opportunity that allowed us to shed light on this issue in an original and moving way.”
“Oltre il mare” also gives a voice to those who experience every stage of the illness alongside the three protagonists: their caregivers, who offer their support while also experiencing first-hand the impact of a loved one’s cancer. Very often they are family members; sometimes they are patient associations. Such as WALCE Onlus, the docufilm’s partner association, which has supported people with lung cancer and their families since 2006.
The words of RUFA Director and Architect Fabio Mongelli: “RUFA’s educational mission involves students directly in project activities and artistic productions, conceived and created side by side with lecturers and external partners. This approach allows emerging talents to come into contact with the world of cultural and creative professions from the very beginning and, above all, to engage with leading figures from the production sector. The collaboration established on this particular occasion is significant not only from an educational and artistic perspective, but also in terms of its ethical and social aspects: an element that gives the initiative added value and was particularly appreciated by the working group during the production phase.”
Sanofi’s Mission
“We are an innovative, global healthcare company. Our purpose guides everything we do: pushing the boundaries of science to improve people’s lives. In around 100 countries worldwide, we are committed to transforming the practice of medicine, turning the impossible into possible. We work to deliver treatment options with the potential to bring meaningful change to patients’ lives and to provide vaccines that protect and save the lives of millions of people around the world, placing sustainability and social responsibility at the heart of our ambitions”.
Walce Onlus
WALCE Onlus, Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe – Women Against Lung Cancer in Europe – is an association whose aim is to inform, support and guide patients and their families in the fight against lung cancer. Founded in 2006 to increase women’s awareness of the growing incidence of this disease among women as well, over the years it has expanded its activities to include all affected patients. WALCE aims to provide concrete answers on the issue through the dissemination of information, the implementation of support programmes and primary prevention projects, and awareness campaigns aimed at combating the stigma surrounding the disease. It also works in advocacy, an area that has become a priority in recent years.
Credits
Giusy Alfieri – Director
Giorgio Leopardi – Director
Elena Grasso – Director of Photography
Alessandro Cuccia – Camera Operator
Federico Assenza – Editor
Anna Carrubba – Production
Giulia De Cesare – Production