Serena Rossi gave a show to The Hyenas telling about Naples and how the city experienced a period of violence and crisis such as the Second World War.
it is the actor, who is promoting the film Il Treno dei Bambini with Cristina Cominciniin cinemas from October 20, co-hosting the final episode of the Canale 5 show presenting beautiful monologue which recalled the important themes of the film by telling the story of the famous “happiness trains” destined to save children during the Second World War.
INSIGHTS
A story that not everyone knows about The Children’s Train whose roots are in Naples and Southern Italy and which tells the incredible spirit of hospitality that characterized the Italians during the guerra.
Grandma’s story
«Leave your house it is indeed always the most difficult and painful choicebut frequently enough, when you dream of a better life, it’s the only one that can exist” said the actress, telling the story of her grandmother who was on the Train Children too. she had climbed there in 1946 starting from Naples station.
The story of Serena Rossi’s grandmother was already told during the Rome Film Festival, where the actress joined her on the promotional red carpet for the preview of the film.
How does Serena Rossi’s personal connection to the Children’s Train impact her portrayal of the story?
Interview with Serena Rossi: Exploring Naples Thru the Lens of History and Cinema
Date: October 20, 2023
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Serena! We’re excited to have you here to discuss your latest film, Il treno dei Bambini, which highlights such a poignant moment in history—the Children’s Train during World War II. Can you share with us the inspiration behind bringing this story to the screen?
Serena Rossi: Thank you for having me! The inspiration comes from a deeply personal place. My grandmother was one of the children on the train back in 1946, starting her journey from Naples station. The film tells a story not onyl about survival but also about the incredible spirit of hospitality shown by the Italians during wartime.It was a labor of love that resonates deeply with me and many other families from Southern Italy.
Editor: That’s a powerful connection. In your monologue on The Hyenas,you mentioned the challenges of leaving home,a theme reflected in the film. Could you elaborate on what emotional impact you hope this film will have on viewers?
Serena Rossi: Absolutely. Leaving one’s home is always a difficult decision, frequently enough rooted in desperation for a better future. Through this film, I want to evoke emotions tied to hope and resilience. The experiences of these children, who were sent away to escape the violence, illustrate not just loss but also the strength of the human spirit.I hope viewers leave the theater feeling a deeper understanding of our history and a connection to those who endured such hardships.
Editor: The theme of hospitality is indeed significant. Why is it important for audiences today to learn about events like the Children’s Train, notably the past context of Naples during and after World War II?
Serena Rossi: History has a way of repeating itself. Understanding our past, especially stories like the Children’s Train, helps us recognize the value of compassion and community during times of crisis. Naples, although it faced immense challenges, also showed resilience and warmth, which is a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. If this film can prompt discussions about empathy in our current society, then we’ve succeeded in our mission.
Editor: You’ve been actively promoting the film at events like the Rome Film Festival. How has this interaction with audiences shaped your perspective on the film’s message?
Serena Rossi: Engaging with audiences during these events has been incredibly rewarding.Hearing their stories and how they relate to the themes of the film reinforces why this project was essential. Many share their own family histories or feelings about displacement and hope, which reminds me that we are all connected through our narratives. It shows the power of cinema to foster connection and understanding across generational divides.
Editor: As someone deeply involved in the film industry, what practical advice would you offer aspiring filmmakers who want to tackle historical topics and convey emotion through their storytelling?
Serena Rossi: My biggest piece of advice is to stay true to your story and its roots. Research your subject thoroughly—every detail matters. Authenticity is key, not only in facts but in the emotions you portray. Don’t shy away from vulnerability; the most impactful stories often come from our deepest fears and hopes. Lastly, collaborate with individuals who share your passion for bringing historical truths to light—a team effort can amplify a film’s message.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Serena.Before we wrap up, what do you hope audiences take away from Il Treno dei Bambini beyond its stunning cinematography and acting?
Serena Rossi: I hope they carry forward the lessons of resilience, compassion, and the importance of remembering our history. Every child on that train had a story, and so do we.If this film can inspire a new conversation about how we treat one another in today’s world,especially during difficult times,then I will feel we have truly honored those who lived through that era.
Editor: Thank you, Serena, for sharing your passion and insights with us today. We look forward to seeing how Il Treno dei Bambini resonates with audiences.
Serena Rossi: Thank you for having me! I can’t wait for everyone to see the film.
