by InTrieste
Paolo Strippoli, a rising star in the world of horror cinema, is set to commence shooting his latest film, The Unhappy Angel, in the picturesque region of Friuli Venezia Giulia. The film, produced by Fandango and distributed by Vision Distribution, is expected to begin filming on August 23 and continue through October 2024.
Strippoli, known for his innovative and unsettling contributions to the horror genre, will film the project in several locations throughout Friuli Venezia Giulia, including Tarvisio, Malborghetto, Pontebba, and, notably, Sappada, which is being featured for the first time since the region’s transition to Friuli Venezia Giulia. The production is bolstered by support from the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission – PromoTurismoFVG, which has allocated funds from the Film Fund 2023, in addition to backing from Italy’s Ministry of Culture.
The film’s script, which earned Strippoli the prestigious Premio Solinas in 2019, is celebrated for its evocative and mysterious narrative. The award committee praised the script for its portrayal of a disturbing yet unforgettable angelic figure, addressing profound themes of pain and suffering as both a punitive force and an inescapable aspect of human existence.
The Unhappy Angel centers on a teacher with a troubled past who relocates to a serene mountain town, only to uncover a sinister secret lurking beneath its calm exterior. In this community, the residents seek solace from their pain through Matteo Corbin, a reclusive teenager revered as an angel whose embrace is believed to offer relief from suffering. The teacher, driven by compassion, strives to rescue Corbin from this collective exploitation, ultimately finding himself entangled in a broader struggle to save the entire community from its own misguided salvation.
Strippoli, born in Corato, Bari, in 1993, has already made a significant mark in the industry. He graduated from the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome, following a degree in Arts and Performing Sciences from the University La Sapienza. His previous works include A Classic Horror Story, which he co-directed with Roberto De Feo. The film earned Strippoli the Best Director award at the 67th Taormina Film Festival. His second feature, Piove, a psychological horror, premiered in 2022 and was showcased at notable festivals including Sitges, Fantastic Fest, and Alice Nella Città.
