Irene Maiorino on Figari Short Film Fest, L'amica geniale, and Bellocchio

Irene Maiorino, actress known for L'amica geniale and Portobello, reflects on her career at the Figari International Short Film Fest (June 15-20, 2026), where she served as a juror 16 years after her first visit as a teenager. She recalls her early experience as a juror at the Giffoni Film Festival, where she met Meryl Streep and was influenced by The Bridges of Madison County. Maiorino discusses her role as Lila in L'amica geniale, which earned her a Nastro d'Argento nomination for Best Lead Actress, and her work in Marco Bellocchio's Portobello, awarded Series of the Year at the 2026 Nastri d'Argento Grandi Serie. She also talks about portraying a young Grazia Deledda in Quasi Grazia, highlighting the writer's struggle for artistic recognition. Maiorino reflects on balancing personal life and career, the challenges of playing complex characters, and the ongoing need for women to defend their talent.