Dolores Fonzi makes a triumphant directorial debut with her new film Blondi, a comedy that is both hilarious and heartwarming. Fonzi, who also stars in the film as the title character, spoke to reporters recently about the experience of making the movie and the joys and challenges of her various roles on set.
The film tells the story of Blondi and her son Mirko, played by Toto Rovito, who are best friends and constant partners in crime. Despite the fact that they smoke weed together on a regular basis and generally flout many of society’s conventions, theirs is not a story of dysfunction or trauma – rather, it is a celebration of the loving bonds that exist between all of the film’s characters, including Rita Cortese as Blondi’s mother and Carla Peterson as her sister/aunt.
Despite its comedic tone, the film also takes on more serious subject matter at times, deftly switching back and forth between moments of laughter and moments of genuine pathos. Fonzi describes it as a “dramatic comedy” or an “exciting comedy” – something that defies easy categorization but that ultimately succeeds in moving and engaging viewers.
Throughout the interview, Fonzi emphasizes the joy and excitement that she felt while making the film. Even in moments of stress or uncertainty, she says that the energy and enthusiasm of the cast and crew never flagged. As a first-time director, she says that she learned a great deal from the experience, particularly when it came to the technical aspects of filmmaking like editing.
Ultimately, however, Fonzi attributes much of the film’s success to the fact that she was so deeply invested in the story and the characters from the very beginning. As both an actress and a mother herself, she felt a deep personal connection to the material, and this passion and commitment is evident in every frame of the finished product.
Blondi opens in Argentine theaters this week, and Fonzi hopes that audiences will find it as enjoyable and moving as she did while making it. With its unique blend of humor and heart, it is certainly a film that is not to be missed.
