SYNOPSIS
“Drawing a circle is a process, a full circle becomes the result: the progression from a point to the same point with time making the difference. The attempt to move forward always brings us back. What has changed, what has remained?” – Marco G. Ferrari
The Italian-American sculptor, Virginio Ferrari, internationally acclaimed for his monumental public sculptures, is the subject of the documentary feature film Full Circle. Filmed by his youngest son, Marco G. Ferrari, for his first feature film project, the film explores Virginio Ferrari’s artistic career, from the early years in Verona, Italy through his four decades working in Chicago. We witness his personal drama on the eve of returning to his native Verona after thirty years of absence, for his largest retrospective art exhibit up to date. Full Circle will be informed by the intimacy and conflicts of a son looking at his own father. Ultimately the film documents the role of the modern artist, in relation to the environments and the societies in which he lives and works.
Full Circle is the story of a universal journey that we all take: in an era where bi-national identity is increasingly common, the process of leaving and returning home is an aspect of the human condition, which is more central and complex than ever before. The triumphs and tragedies of this journey are represented by this evolving circle, a symbol of the compelling art and life of the sculptor Virginio Ferrari.
PROJECT INFORMATION
Note: This version of Full Circle (2004) is the second edit of the film, which was presented at the Chicago Cultural Center in October, 2004. The third and final edited version will be completed by this coming June, 2006 and will be submitted to film festivals at which point I will be looking for broadcast distribution outlets. Copies of the final version will be available through the Ferrari Studios in October, 2006.
Director/Writer: Marco G. Ferrari
Main Camera Operator: Marco G. Ferrari
Producer: Marco G. Ferrari
Executive Producer: Virginio Ferrari
Editors: Marco G. Ferrari & Steve Cejtin
Original Music by solo pianist Beppe Grifeo and Frank Orrall featured in Poi Dog Pondering, Palm Fabric Orchestra and 8fatfat8
Audio Mix/Master: D’Antoni Productions
Running Time: 138 minutes
Formats: Mini DV, Betacam SP, Digital, Betacam, VHS, Super 8mm and 16mm film
Language: English and Italian with corresponding subtitles
Format on Completion: Mini DV, DVD & Beta SP
Starting Date: January 1st, 1999
Completion Date: June 1st, 2004
Consultant: Judy Hoffman
SCREENINGS
– Interzona Cultural Association, Verona Italy/ May 17, 2003 – First Edit
– Galleria d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea-Palazzo Forti, Verona Italy/ July 4, 2003 – First Edit
– Chicago Cultural Center – Chicago Artists’ Month/ October 24, 2004 – Second Edit
GRANTS
– Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Rome Italy: “Grant IRE 1999 and 2000”
– Community Film Workshop of Chicago: “2001 Build Illinois Filmmakers Grant”
– National Italian American Foundation: “2004 Cultural Heritage Grant”
TEXTS
– Full Circle Press Release 2004
– Full Circle Treatment Draft 2003
– V. Ferrari Verona Retrospective and Film Screening Press Release 2003
– V. Ferrari Brief Biography and Newsletter 2004
