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«The third was good», one could say for Nadia Paone. The sound professional originally from Catanzaro won the 2026 David di Donatello Award in the “Best Sound” category for the mix of the film “Primavera” by Damiano Michieletto, her third nomination. The previous nominations had arrived for “Ammore e malavita” by Manetti Bros in 2018 and for “Esterno notte” by Marco Bellocchio in 2022. A recognition that crowns a professional path built over the years at Laser Film and through important collaborations, without ever losing the connection with one’s roots.
When you graduated from the Polytechnic of Vibo Valentia, did you expect all this?
“Never. I actually didn’t think I could have a career in cinema. I liked being behind the console: already in Gagliano (neighborhood of Catanzaro, ed.) I followed the theatrical comedies of the club and was always near the mixer. Then I realized that working on sound through images was something that could become my means of expression. After three years at the Experimental Center I arrived at Laser Film almost by chance and thirteen years have passed since then.”
Was leaving Calabria a difficult choice?
«Very difficult. Luckily I have amazing parents who have always encouraged me to go and chase my dreams. But I always miss my homeland. I could go anywhere, but home remains home.”
Let’s talk about the award-winning film. In “Primavera” the music has a double soul: on the one hand that which belongs to the music “on stage”, on the other that of the soundtrack. How important was it to find a balance?
«The biggest challenge was to tell not only the music, but also the silences and the atmosphere of eighteenth-century Venice. The director’s request was clear: he didn’t want the film to “sound like a CD” and everything had to sound natural. This is why we worked a lot on environments, reverberations and sound details, seeking credible harmony between all the elements of the film.”
In some scenes of the film Cecilia feels inspired by the sounds around her. Are there any sounds linked to your roots?
«I believe that inside me there is always a natural search for those sounds that bring me home. Even if we are in Venice, certain sound elements can still evoke something familiar, give a particular emotional nuance.”
Did you dedicate the award to your city for this reason?
«I wanted to dedicate the award to my city because you should never forget where you come from. I dedicated it to my family, to the sacrifices made, but also to Catanzaro and above all to Gagliano, where I grew up. When Salvatores’ “Napoli New York” came out, I bought an entire row at the cinema to go with my kindergarten friends. It may seem silly, but for me it was important to share that moment with them. It’s nice to recognize the beauty of bonds that overcome distance.”
After this David, what is the next dream?
«Many people told me: “Now it’s time to win the Oscar”. It would be nice, and why not? Dreaming is not a crime. But for now let’s enjoy the moment.”