by InTrieste
A new docufilm set to air on Rai 1 on February 10th commemorates the Giorno del Ricordo (Day of Remembrance) with a poignant portrayal of one of Italy’s most painful historical events. La bambina con la valigia (The Girl with the Suitcase), directed by Gianluca Mazzella, captures the harrowing tale of Egea Haffner, a child caught in the tumult of the exodus that displaced thousands of Italian families from the Julian-Dalmatian region following World War II. The film, based on the book of the same name by Egea Haffner and Gigliola Alvisi, brings to light a history still too often overlooked.
Set against the backdrop of Italy’s post-war expulsion, the film is seen through the eyes of young Egea, who navigates the difficult journey of survival and courage. It not only serves as a historical account but also as a deeply personal narrative about family, resilience, and the tough decisions forced upon individuals by the tides of history.
Filming for La bambina con la valigia began last October in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the region at the heart of the story. Over fourteen days of shooting, local crew members from across the region were involved, bringing authenticity to the project. The film’s locations offer a breathtaking snapshot of the region’s varied landscapes, from the city of Trieste and the former Refugee Camp of Padriciano, to the serene shores of Fusine Lake in Tarvisio, and even Gorizia, which served as a stand-in for Bolzano in key scenes.
The cast includes Claudia Vismara, Sara Lazzaro, Sandra Ceccarelli, Anita Kravos, Sinead Thornhill, Andrea Bosca, and young Petra Bevilacqua, whose performance promises to be a standout. Written by Andrea Porporati, the script aims to honor both the personal and historical depth of Haffner’s story.
“I immediately understood the weight of this opportunity when I was asked to direct La bambina con la valigia,” said Mazzella, reflecting on the gravity of bringing Haffner’s story to the screen. “It’s not just a historical recount; it’s a family’s narrative, filled with complex bonds and hard choices. Meeting Egea in person, I was struck by her passion and ability to communicate her story—this was something I tried to capture in the film. My hope is that the film delivers the same force and authenticity as her book.”
The production of La bambina con la valigia was supported by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Film Commission – PromoTurismoFVG and Go Film, with collaboration from Rai Fiction. Additionally, the project received financial backing from the Ministry of Culture’s Fund for the Development of Cinema and Audiovisual Investments. It was also endorsed by the Municipality of Tarvisio and the National Association of Venezia Giulia and Dalmatia.
As La bambina con la valigia airs in February, it promises to shed light on an important chapter of Italy’s history, offering a compelling and personal perspective on a tragedy that continues to echo in the collective memory of the displaced families. Through the eyes of one child, the docufilm illustrates not only the pain of exile but the resilience that can emerge in the wake of hardship.
