In this episode, I sit down with first-time director Beniamino Barrese to discuss his film Storia di B. – La scomparsa di mia madre (The Disappearance of My Mother) (2019), a documentary exploring the life, psychology, and aspirations of his mother Benedetta Barzini. Barrese discusses the challenges of the documentary as a medium, the power of beauty and symmetry, and working with his mother as subject.

This interview was conducted on January 11, 2020 at the 31st Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Links:

• Kino Lorber: The Disappearance of My Mother
• Palm Springs International Film Festival: The Disappearance of My Mother
• Storia di B. – La scomparsa di mia madre (The Disappearance of My Mother) – my Jan. 2020 essay
• Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

This episode features the following music excerpts:

• “The Wolves (Act I and II)” by Bon Iver
• “Ilo” by Otto A. Totland