There is a thread that unites Sicily to the great sets of Italian cinema: it is the path of Letizia Arnò, one of the most promising young actresses of her generation. Born in Rome on 13 November 2007, she retains strong Messina roots inherited from her mother Angela Versaci and her maternal grandparents, originally from San Fratello and Galati Mamertino. She made her debut at a very young age in Don Matteo, where she took her first steps in a major television production. Over time his talent also reached auteur cinema, until his meeting with Nanni Moretti in the film “Three Floors” which enhanced his interpretative intensity.
Among the most precious stages of his journey, stands out for the TV “A casa tutti bene”, directed by Gabriele Muccino and the participation, for three consecutive years, in the theatrical cast wanted by Gabriele Lavia for the Pirandello masterpiece “Six characters in search of an author”. The consecration came last Christmas with “Buen Camino”, box office blockbuster, which made her known to the general public. A rapid and coherent rise, capable of holding together Sicilian roots and an eye already turned towards the future of Italian cinema.
The young actress who shines for her open character, her cheerfulness and above all her concreteness spoke to the Gazzetta del Sud.
When did your passion for acting begin?
«I was very little, I was more or less 5 years old. I pretended to talk on the phone with my grandmother Rosetta – who by the way is from Messina – and I enjoyed reciting invented dialogues to prank my mother. She sensed that that spontaneity could become something more and signed me up with an agency. After some auditions I discovered that I had been chosen for Don Matteo 9.”
How did the possibility of acting in “Buen Camino” come about?
«I made a first self-tape in my bedroom, with my father (Giampiero Arnò, of Apulian origins) who gave me the lines, then a Zoom call with the director and the casting and finally two in-person auditions. I had to act some scenes of the film and right from the first audition Luca Medici and Checco Zalone were there acting with me. I was very nervous, but he and Gennaro Nunziante managed to make me loosen up.”
Why did they choose you?
«I honestly don’t know. They obviously saw something. Gennaro told me that I was “real” and had the truth in my eyes. Furthermore, the character perfectly reflected my age: I was simply in the right place at the right time.”
What feeling did you feel when they told you the choice?
«Euphoria and disbelief. I was over the moon, but at the same time in panic: I felt the weight of a great responsibility. Then I realized that with commitment, somehow, you can do it. I know I still have a lot to learn. At home we celebrated with a Sacher.”
How was filming on the Camino de Santiago locations?
«Fabulous and intense. The places were wonderful and I met people of different cultures and languages. I had so much fun on set that I didn’t feel tired until I got to the hotel.”
What was it like working and filming with Checco Zalone?
«An incredibly fun and educational experience. He’s a fantastic scene partner: he knows how to perfectly balance comedy with empathy and concentration. He is a humble and human person, a great point of reference for me. Together with Gennaro and Beatriz Arjona he created an atmosphere that made everything easier.”
What relationship do you have with social media?
“Particular. I use them, but I don’t like posting myself. I’m more of an observer. I prefer to look for authenticity outside of social media, because it only takes a moment to get lost.”
Have you ever experienced moments of insecurity?
“Everyday. I am very self-critical and struggle to recognize my merits. However, I believe that insecurity is common, especially at a fragile age like mine. The advice I can give to young people is to keep moving forward even when you don’t feel up to it. Throw yourself in, because it’s better to make mistakes trying than to stay in your comfort zone.”
What studies did you do?
«Classical high school».
Three adjectives to describe you?
«Determined, cheerful, stubborn».
What relationship do you have with Messina and Sicily?
«My mother is from Messina and her uncles and cousins live in Messina. When I can I go to visit them, especially at Christmas or in the summer. I love the people, the climate… and the granitas!».
Advantages and disadvantages of Sicily?
«Pros: the people, the sea, the family atmosphere. They are all very welcoming. Defects? I didn’t live long enough to find any.”
Are you afraid of popularity after the success of the film?
«I’m happy with the results, but the exposure to judgment scares me a lot. I am reserved and sensitive to criticism. But I’m grateful that the film was seen by so many people.”
What memories do you have of the experiences with Moretti, Muccino and Don Matteo?
«Golden experiences. Nanni Moretti had scenes repeated a lot, but he was always available and human. Gabriele Muccino was able to bring out deep emotions, he was very empathetic. Don Matteo remains a beautiful memory: there was serenity on the set and Terence Hill is an extraordinary person.”
Upcoming projects?
«For now I’m focusing on school: this year I have my high school diploma. Then I hope something comes soon.”
Would you like to work in Sicily?
«Absolutely yes. It’s a wonderful region and I would also like to learn the Sicilian dialect: it has a beautiful musicality.”