Paola Cortellesi, a renowned Italian actress and comedian, surprised audiences and critics with her first film as a director, “There's Still Tomorrow,” released in theaters on October 26, 2023. Set in Rome in 1946, the film tells the story of Delia, a woman seeking to free herself from violence and poverty in an era of major political and social change. The film was a major success with audiences and critics, winning two awards at the Rome Film Fest, including the Special Jury Prize and a special mention for Best First Feature.
Delia is the wife of Ivano (Valerio Mastandrea), a violent and authoritarian man, and the mother of three children, including the rebellious Marcella (Romana Maggiora Vergano), who dreams of marrying a boy from a good family and leaving that oppressive home. Delia silently endures abuse from her husband and father-in-law, Sor Ottorino (Giorgio Colangeli), a despotic and resentful old man. Her only consolation is her friendship with Marisa (Emanuela Fanelli), a cheerful and optimistic woman, and the memory of Nino (Vinicio Marchioni), a mechanic with whom she had a relationship in the past.
The film is set during a crucial historical moment for Italy: the institutional referendum and the election of the Constituent Assembly, which mark the end of the monarchy and the beginning of the Republic. Delia suffers in silence, like so many other women of her time, but within her burns a flame that never goes out - a desire to change, to emancipate herself, to live.
Delia’s life changes when she meets William (Yonv Joseph), an African American soldier who offers her his help and admiration. This encounter gives her the strength to react to her situation and face the challenges that await her—and that involve Italy and the fate of her own family.
There’s Still Tomorrow is a film that blends drama and comedy, history and current events, realism and poetry. The film is a tribute to the strength of women, who fought and suffered to win their rights and freedom. The film is also a portrait of a working-class and multicultural Rome, awakening after the trauma of war and preparing for an uncertain but hopeful future.
It’s an original and courageous work, worth watching and recommending, because it makes us reflect on the past and the present, on injustices and hopes, on difficulties and opportunities. It’s a film that makes us appreciate the value of life, friendship, love, and freedom. It’s a film that speaks to the women of yesterday and today, but also to men, inviting them to reflect on women’s situation, gender-based violence, and women’s role in society. It’s a film that celebrates women’s strength and beauty, women who never give up and fight for their tomorrow.
It’s a film that makes us say, like Delia: there’s still tomorrow.
We invite you to watch this film, which is already a hit with audiences and critics. If you have already seen it, let us know what you think in the comments.
