Manodopera

Through an imaginary dialogue between the director and the character of Grandmother Cesira, Ughetto tells us a story that encompasses the themes of migration, hard work, and poverty, crafting a universal narrative despite the distinct historical and geographical settings. By using stop-motion animation, Ughetto demonstrates the enduring importance of craftsmanship. As he himself states: “(stop-motion animation) allows us to emphasize the importance of manual labor. My grandfather was a great craftsman, he made many things by hand, he was incredibly skilled; it’s a skill, a talent he passed on to my father, who then passed it on to me. I tried to convey this in the film, from one generation to the next.” The making of the film involved artisans from several countries, including Portugal, Switzerland, and Italy. Ughetto’s own “hand” (which appears multiple times throughout the film) serves as the connecting thread that, according to the director, It conveys a deep sense of respect for his family and humble origins, allowing him to connect with his ancestors and have a direct dialogue with his grandmother, as happens in all classic fairy tales. “My father used to tell me about a small village in Italy where everyone had our last name. This story had always intrigued me as a child, but since neither my father nor I spoke Italian, it remained on the sidelines. Then, when he passed away, I wanted to pick up the threads and was curious to discover Ughettera in Piedmont—the ‘Land of the Ughettos’—and to learn about my grandparents’ story, about when they moved to France…” – Alain Ughetto