A filmmaker reflects on her bond with her father, using cinema as a way of understanding life.

“The Time It Takes” is a poignant autobiographical chronicle of the complex relationship between Francesca Comencini and her father Luigi, a revered Italian filmmaker.

Set during the turbulent 1970s, the story follows Francesca’s journey from childhood to adolescence, among cinema and political unrest. Luigi’s unwavering support and guidance clash with Francesca’s struggles to find her own self, complicated by her insecurities and the looming spectre of her father’s illness. Cinema acts as both a passion and a refuge, binding father and daughter as they navigate the uncertainties of life.

The film won two awards at the Venice Film Festival, including the award for best actress (Romana Maggiora Vergano).

Massimo Iannetti