The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘A Ciambra’

by Riyad Mammadyarov January 15, 2018
by Riyad Mammadyarov January 15, 2018 0 comments
A Ciambra
1.5K

Jonas Carpignano’s A Ciambra is a mesmerizing, albeit frustrating, follow-up to his excellent debut, Mediterranea

Could it be that a small town in a coastal region of southern Italy be the only place a filmmaker needs to explore their cinephilic inclinations? Is this small microcosm in reality a representation of the bigger picture, so to speak? Does Gioia Tauro showcase the paradigms of the world-at-large?  To Cannes-favorite Jonas Carpignano, that certainly seems to be the case. The Italian-American director has never cinematically left the small town of 20,000 people, setting all his films in the charming port city. From his short film, A Chjàna to his feature directorial debut, Mediterranea, all of Carpignano’s films have been set in the diverse municipality. To this filmmaker, there is no need to look beyond it–at least for now. Gioia Tauro is the only place for him.

Which is why his follow-up to the poignantly thought-provoking Mediterranea stays put in the small town. Carpignano works off of the diegetic world that he had established in A Ciambra (his second short film that shares the same title as the feature) and Mediterranea, employing a neorealist style that is wholly Italian. Taking inspiration from Rosselini, De Sica, Antonioni and many more, Carpignano weaves an incredibly detailed portrait of the individuals that occupy the underbelly of Gioia Tauro. From the Burkina Faso-born Aviya (played with especial warmth by Koudous Seihon) to the charmingly duplicitous Romani, Pio (who is the focus of A Ciambra), Carpignano has found a wide array of charming individuals who don’t exude misfortune in the shape of pity, but rather modesty and perseverance. Carpignano does not force viewers to feel sorrowful, focusing instead on the heartwarming interactions and moments of seemingly lasting hope. In this manner, Carpignano constructs a diegetic world that is charming, beautiful, and alive with humanism. It’s a wonderful cinematic achievement, one that makes this filmmaker one of the most important ones in the arthouse cinema scene.

Telling the tale of Pio Amato (the same Pio from all of Carpignano’s other films), the Martin Scorsese executive-produced film places its attention on his existence within the Romani community of Gioia Tauro. Pio is fourteen years old and yet he spends his days like a 20-something delinquent. He’s melting down copper, learning to steal cars, drinking beer, and smoking more cigarettes than Robert De Niro in Casino. It’s all in a day’s work for Pio, who has picked up the habits from his family and surrounding community. Sadder still, Pio’s younger cousins–who can’t be more than eight or ten–are seen doing the same unsavory acts, their parents standing idly by as they buff away on Marlboro cigarettes and chase it with sips of red wine. Everyone seems to be desperate to be an adult. And yet, there is still a discernible innocence and precociousness that occupies Pio and his younger cousins.

That begins to change after Pio’s brother and father are jailed, taking it upon himself to become the breadwinner of the family. From extortion to burglary, Pio begins to descend further into the underbelly of Gioia Tauro’s unsavory side, one that his good friend Aviya attempts to undo with his charming manner, father-like disposition, and earnest compassion. Indeed, it is Pio’s and Aviya’s interactions that constitute the most captivating moments of the film, showcasing a friendship that is not bound by the societal standards that occupy the Romani community. As Pio sits down to dinner with his family, the older members of the family casually throw racial epithets and slurs as they describe their run-ins with the African immigrants that live in government-installed tents. And while the Romani are also a marginalized group of individuals, they ironically (and tragically) subject the African immigrants to the same sort of racist rhetoric that the Italians place onto them. It’s perhaps the most off-putting aspect of the film, but one that poignantly points out the contradictory manner of racially-motivated social hierarchies and evolving sentiments of newer generations.

Mediterranea was able to effortlessly (and nearly flawlessly) construct this sentiment, but A Ciambra struggles to find its focus and narrative drive in the same dazzling manner. Although Mediterranea was able to construct a modernist portrait of an individual who is desperate to improve his and his family’s life with a relentless sense of vigor, A Ciambra attempts to do the same, albeit with a lack of articulation in the characterization of our new community and protagonist, Pio and the Romani community. Thankfully, the tantalizing handheld cinematography of Mediterranea makes a pronounced return, coming to be as claustrophobic as the Pio’s phobia when he rides an elevator or takes the train. It makes the neorealism that much more pronounced, a quality that helps elevate A Ciambra to the same profilmic heights that Carpignano had reached with his previous film. But regardless of the small flaws of A Ciambra, the naturally mesmerizing quality of Pio and his surrounding buddies and family members ensures that Carpignano’s newest film be another success for the talented up-and-comer.

A Ciambra is set to be released January 19 in select US theaters.

A Ciambraacademy awardsCannes Film FestivalJonas Carpignano
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Riyad Mammadyarov

I am a graduate of New York University and am currently pursuing my master's degree in cinema studies at the same institution. My passion for films knows no bounds! It warms my heart and inspires zeal to talk movies with fellow cinephiles. Have any questions, comments or just want to chat? Email me at riyad.mamedyarov@gmail.com

previous post
‘A Ciambra’ Director Jonas Carpignano Reflects on the Black Experience in Italy
next post
Theater Review: ‘DIVINA’

Related Posts

Phylicia Rashad Directs Another Hit Play “Immediate Family”

July 16, 2025

This Ain’t Texas, This Is Atlanta: Beyoncé Shuts...

July 16, 2025

INTERVIEW: Directing Duo JamsBash Talk Collaborative Partnership and...

July 14, 2025

Super-Meh: James Gunn’s Superman Feels Like It’s Trying...

July 11, 2025

Inside the Star-Studded Gurus Beauty Awards Hosted by...

July 10, 2025

The 2025 Gayming Awards Blessed WeHo with Star...

July 9, 2025

Reagan To talks Squid Game

July 9, 2025

Baekhyun ‘Climbs Up Our Hearts’ with Dreamy ‘Reverie’...

July 8, 2025

Julian Lerner: Leading a New Era of Disney...

July 8, 2025

A Garden in the Sky: Fourth of July...

July 8, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends hea James Gunn’s take on the Man of Steel blends heart, humor, and high stakes. 🦸🏻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/super-meh-james-gunns-superman-feels-like-its-trying-too-hard-to-be-everything/

✍️: Julian Cannon 

-
#Superman #JamesGunn #DCStudios #DCUniverse #ManOfSteel #SuperheroMovies #MovieReview
Diana Ross defines an icon. A national treasure w Diana Ross defines an icon.  A national treasure with a magnificent legacy that has changed the course of music history and popular culture. Get ready for an incredible night at the Hollywood Bowl on July 24 +25. We’ve teamed up with #HollywoodBowl and #LAPhil for a ticket giveaway! This is a show you won’t want to miss! 

Click the link 🔗 in our bio to enter

Giveaway ends on Friday @ 11:59PM EST - Good Luck!
#knockgiveaway #losangeles
Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevato Sweet as “Candy,” and as high as an “Elevator…” 🍬

On July 6th, at the iconic Kia Forum in Los Angeles, the beloved Korean idol @baekhyunee_exo took the stage for the last U.S. stop of his first ever solo tour under his own label, @inb100_official. ✨

🔗 https://theknockturnal.com/baekhyun/ 

#Baekhyun #INB100 #Kpop #KpopConcert #ReviereTour #Reviere #EXO
✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨ Macy’s iconic @mac ✨ Red, white, and boom! ✨
Macy’s iconic @macys Fourth of July Fireworks lit up the night sky over the Brooklyn Bridge in a dazzling display of light, sound, and celebration. 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/macys-fourth-of-july-fireworks-sparkle-bright-at-brooklyn-bridge/

-
#MacysFireworks #BrooklynBridge #FourthOfJuly #NYCSummer
@lorde “Virgin” is more than an album — it’s an aural snapshot of an artist on the brink of redefining pop music. Step inside Lorde’s world, with us. 🎧🩻

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/virgin-an-x-ray-of-lordes-sonic-arrival/

✍️: Jesse Kosierowski

-
#Lorde #Virgin #MusicReview #PopCulture
Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “ Meet @dominiquethorne , the rising star behind “Ironheart”, @marvelstudios newest @disneyplus show. From Wakanda to a tech-powered hero, she shares the journey, challenges, and excitement of suiting up as Riri Williams. Get ready for a fresh take on heroism! 🔥💥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/dominique-thorne-talks-new-marvel-tv-show-ironheart-on-disney/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
 #Ironheart #MarvelTV #DisneyPlus #DominiqueThorne
Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his late Taron Egerton’s range is unreal, and in his latest project, he’s turning up the heat, literally! We chatted with him for Smoke at @tribeca! 💨🔥
Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all Real fire, real life, Smoke on @appletv has it all! We chatted with director Dennis Lehane at @tribeca! 🔥💨
Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (an Anna Chlumsky talks working with Dennis Lehane (and real fire!) at the world premiere of Smoke on @appletv @tribeca!
The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤 We The Future of Black Music is NOW! 🎶🎵🎤

We got the chance to profile 5 amazing new artist and, just know, BLACK music is in great hands!

Check out our profiles on @thefcknartist @niko.noir @babyfaceray @veezeworst @ynjay_ 

Detroit, don’t miss out! Come experience the Future of Black Music live! 🎧🎸🥁🎹🎺🎻

With live performances of today’s best emerging artists. 

RSVP now in the bio to come visit the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Detroit! Are you ready to experience the Future of Black Music! 🎶🎵🎤

Presented by Smirnoff Lemonades & BCode, curated by The Basement Series. Come see the movement move forward! 

RSVP now in the bio to come experience the culture. ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI ch Cutting-edge scares, killer dance moves, and AI chaos 💃🤖
@m3gan 2.0 is the wild ride your summer needed. Read our full take! 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/m3gan-2-0-is-ridiculous-over-the-top-fun-but-also-poses-important-questions-about-ai/

✍️: Ishan Wankavala

-
#M3GAN2 #AIHorror #SciFiThriller #HorrorComedy #SummerMovies #TechTerror #AIQuestions #MovieReview #CampyHorror
Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛 Mini fashion moments, major throwback energy 👛
@shopcider x @pollypocket took over @alfred with tiny accessories, buttery croissants, and all the Y2K feels 💅☕

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/tiny-fashion-big-nostalgia-cider-x-polly-pocket-pops-up-in-beverly-hills/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#CiderxPollyPocket #ShopCider #PollyPocket #CiderGirls #CiderStyle #Alfreds
☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfesti ☀️Summer just kicked off with @dearsummerfestival. The HBCU kickback inspired festival that grew from a cultural campus phenomenon into becoming the latest and fastest-growing black-owned music festival. 🔥

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/inside-dear-summer-festival-the-black-owned-festival-gaining-national-momentum-built-by-hbcu-alumni/

✍️: Briana Boateng 
-
#MeekMill #Valiant #HBCU #DearSummerFestival
@tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥 The artist premie @tydollasign takes Tribeca. 🎥
The artist premiered his powerful new doc ‘Still Free TC’—a raw, emotional follow-up to his 2015 album—spotlighting family, justice, and legacy.
10 years later, the message still hits.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/ty-dolla-ign-premieres-still-free-tc-documentary-at-tribeca-film-festival/

✍️: Kadeem Lundy

-
#StillFreeTC #TyDollaSign #TribecaFestival #MusicDocumentary #HipHopCulture #JusticeForTC #Tribeca2025
ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fire ENTER TO WIN a pair of tickets to July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular with Earth, Wind & Fire at the Hollywood Bowl on July 2, 3, & 4th! Nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all - Earth, Wind & Fire brings their iconic and timeless catalog of music with hits like “September” and “Shining Star” for three thrilling nights of songs, fireworks and fun. If you don’t win the tickets…don’t worry we’ll have a 20% off code on select sections!
Here’s how to enter:
✅Follow @theknockturnal 
❤️Like this post
👯Tag the friend you want to bring with you

Giveaway ends Monday, June 23 @ 11:59PM EST/8:59PM PST ! 
#KnockturnalGiveaway #EarthWindFire #HollywoodBowl #Giveaway #Concert #LosAngeles
@squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. @squidgamenetflix Season 3 has entered the arena. 🦑🩸

New players. Higher stakes. And a game that’s more brutal than ever.
The masks return—so does revenge. ⭕️🔺◼️

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/squid-game-season-3-premieres-in-new-york/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor 

-
#SquidGame #Season3 #NetflixOriginal #Netflix #TheGameContinues #LeeJungJae #Player456 #WiHaJoon #GongYoo #LeeByungHun
@f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their wor @f1movie crew makes a pitstop in NYC for their world premiere of their film “F1 The Movie” in Times Square and at Radio City Music Hall. 🏎️💨
-
#BradPitt #JavierBardem #DamsonIdris #AppleCEO #TimCook #JosephKosinski #JerryBruckheimer  #LewisHamilton #HansZimmer #F1 #F1Movie #F1Film
“Love doesn’t always disappear—it just chang “Love doesn’t always disappear—it just changes shape.” 🎶
In our exclusive interview, @yourfavoritecolor opens up about vulnerability, emotional distance, and the story behind their newest single, “Less In Love.”
This one hits different. 🥹

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/exclusive-interview-your-favorite-color-contemplates-connection-on-new-single-less-in-love/

✍️: Eleanor Jacobs

-
#ExclusiveInterview #YourFavoriteColor #LessInLove #IndieMusic
@saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in @saiebeauty Art of Glow pop-up bathed the city in golden light with vintage lamps, curated cocktails, and radiant beauty moments—all in honor of the iconic Glowy Super Gel. A celebration of luminosity in every form. ✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/a-night-to-glow-inside-saies-art-of-glow-celebration/

✍️: Ashley Lopez

-
#SaieBeauty #ArtOfGlow #GlowySuperGel #LAEvents #CleanBeauty #GlowGoals #BeautyMeetsArt #LightUpLA
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch