This evening at 9:20 PM, Italia 1 will premiere the captivating film The boy and the Tiger, directed by Brando Quilici and featuring young Sunny Pawar alongside Claudia Gerini. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nepal and the High Himalayas, the film follows the heartwarming journey of a 9-year-old boy named Balmani, who escapes from an orphanage to return to his hometown of Kathmandu. Along the way, he rescues a tiger cub from poachers and embarks on a mission to bring the cub to the remote Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest.This enchanting tale promises to be a visual feast and an emotional adventure for viewers.In the heart of the Himalayas, “The Boy and the tiger,” directed by Brando Quilici, tells a captivating tale inspired by true events. The film follows Balmani, a young boy determined to protect his tiger friend by seeking refuge in a Buddhist monastery. With the unwavering support of Hannah, the orphanage director played by Claudia Gerini, the duo embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with challenges that strengthen thier bond. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Nepal’s Chitwan jungle and the majestic Himalayan peaks, this family-friendly movie not only entertains but also raises awareness about the endangered Bengal tiger, with fewer than 4,000 left in the wild.Sunny Pawar, known for his role in “Lion,” delivers a heartfelt performance alongside the adorable tiger cub, making this film a must-see for audiences of all ages.Claudia Gerini continues to captivate audiences with her versatile performances, recently shining in the thriller “Il Corpo,” which premiered at the 42nd Torino film Festival. In this gripping film, Gerini portrays Rebecca zuin, a strong-willed entrepreneur whose shocking murder becomes the focus of an intense investigation led by Inspector Cosser, played by Giuseppe Battiston. Beyond her film work, Gerini was honored with the prestigious Premio Monica Vitti on December 10, a celebration of talent that will be broadcast on Rai 1 on December 28. Her heartfelt experiences while filming “Il ragazzo e la tigre,” where she connected deeply with the children at a Nepalese orphanage, further showcase her dedication to her craft and the stories she chooses to tell.
Q&A: Discussing ”The Boy and the Tiger” with Brando Quilici
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us today, Brando. The premiere of your film “The Boy and the Tiger” is just around the corner. Can you tell us what inspired you to craft this story?
Brando Quilici: Thank you for having me! The inspiration for “The Boy and the Tiger” came from a blend of personal experiences and the pressing need to raise awareness about wildlife conservation, particularly the plight of the Bengal tiger. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nepal’s Chitwan jungle and the Himalayas,we follow Balmani’s heartwarming journey. His story reflects courage, friendship, and a deep connection to nature, which I believe resonates with audiences globally.
Editor: The film not only tells an engaging story but also highlights environmental issues. how do you think storytelling can impact conservation efforts?
Brando Quilici: Storytelling is a powerful tool.Through relatable characters and emotional narratives, it can evoke empathy and inspire action.In “The Boy and the Tiger,” viewers witness the struggles facing endangered species like the Bengal tiger—fewer than 4,000 remain in the wild. By fostering a sense of connection between the audience and these animals, we can motivate them to engage in conservation efforts, whether through supporting wildlife reserves or advocating against poaching.
editor: Sunny Pawar’s performance has been widely praised. What was it like to work with such a talented young actor, and how did he embody Balmani?
Brando Quilici: Sunny is a remarkable talent. In this film, he portrays Balmani with a mix of innocence and determination, perfectly capturing the essence of a child on a mission. He brought authenticity to Balmani’s character, displaying a profound bond with the tiger cub.whether it was the small, intimate moments or the grand adventures, Sunny’s dedication made every scene resonate emotionally.
Editor: Claudia Gerini plays an essential role in the film as Hannah, the orphanage director. How did her character contribute to Balmani’s journey?
brando Quilici: Claudia’s character, Hannah, represents support and nurturing. She is a meaningful influence on Balmani, encouraging his bravery and love for animals. Their partnership showcases the importance of mentorship and understanding in navigating challenges. Claudia’s depth as an actress added layers to Hannah,making her a crucial ally in Balmani’s quest to save the tiger cub.
Editor: The film features incredible natural landscapes. How did you approach the cinematography to capture the beauty of Nepal?
Brando Quilici: The visuals play a vital role in storytelling, especially in a film that celebrates nature. We worked closely with talented cinematographers to ensure we showcased the majestic Himalayas and vibrant jungles authentically. Each frame was designed not only to be visually stunning but also to reflect the emotional tone of the narrative. The landscapes become characters in their own right, mirroring Balmani’s journey.
Editor: As the film aims to entertain while educating, what do you hope audiences take away from ”The Boy and the Tiger”?
Brando quilici: I hope audiences walk away with a sense of hope and a better understanding of wildlife conservation. By connecting emotionally with Balmani and his tiger friend, I want viewers to realize that every action counts in preserving our environment. This story aims to inspire people—especially children—about the importance of protecting endangered species and the beauty of coexistence between humans and nature.
Editor: Thank you, Brando, for sharing your insights. “The Boy and the Tiger” promises to be a heartfelt journey that celebrates both adventure and conservation. We look forward to its premiere!
Brando Quilici: Thank you for the opportunity! I can’t wait for everyone to experience this story.