The freedom of choice and the value of the time that remains. Attention to the dignity of the person and care for his or her frailties, at a particularly delicate stage of his or her existence. These are just some of the reasons for the Cinematherapy “Who Are Our Days” festival, dedicated to raising awareness of end-of-life issues and self-determination, which will kick off at the Cinema Monicelli (Ridotto del Teatro del Popolo) on Thursday, November 5 (9:00 p.m.).
Organized by the “Friends of the ODV Hospice” with the patronage of the Municipality of Castelfiorentino, the festival presents itself as a “Cineforum” (with spaces for discussion at the end of each screening) and aims to draw attention to the value of life and the importance of the time we have available to make our dreams come true. An opportunity to reflect and think about the most authentic values of our existence, through a therapeutic approach that stems precisely from this inseparable link between cinema and psychology, between watching a film and activating human emotions, which leads to renewed self-awareness.
The festival will open on Thursday, November 5th with Rob Reiner’s film “It’s Never Too Late” (2007), a touching story of friendship born in the hospital where two elderly men discover they have a bad illness, which has now entered a terminal phase. Masterfully played by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, the protagonists will try to make a wish list together, so as not to have regrets and give new meaning to their lives. Following, on Wednesday 2 December, the second appointment with “Acqua e anice”, by Corrado Ceron (2022) which will see Stefania Sandrelli play a famous singer, dealing with a journey back in time to the places and people that have marked her life, before reaching her final destination.
“The issue of end-of-life care and self-determination in care – observe Mayor Francesca Giannì and Councilor for Social Policies Federica Parisi – is not simply a medical or legal issue, but profoundly challenges the civic conscience of our community. Hosting a film festival dedicated to these topics means choosing to open a space for listening, reflection and dialogue on issues that too often risk remaining confined to silence or private pain”.
In addition to the event, the association “Amici dell’Hospice ODV” is organizing a solidarity dinner “for Friday, November 6th” at Villa Sonnino (San Miniato, via Castelvecchio 9) to support the San Martino hospice (info and reservations: +39 3534252794).
“We will report how the funds raised this year have been used,” notes President Rossana Demi, “which projects have been completed and what results we have achieved. Then we will announce the new initiatives for 2027, so everyone knows where future contributions will go. With our projects – he concluded – we offer presence, listening and integrative activities that improve the quality of life. Every contribution allows us to give dignity and serenity to those facing a delicate moment.”
The Cinematherapy “Who Are Our Days” series will resume in January with the following program: “The Boy and the Heron” (January 28); “A Monster Calls” (February 11): “My Sister’s Keeper” (March 25); “The Room Next Door” (April 15). The event is sponsored not only by the Municipality but also by the Empolese Valdarno Valdelsa Health Society.
