Gero Guagliardo's short film celebrates Italy's 'Umarell' phenomenon

Italian director Gero Guagliardo has released a short film that reimagines the Umarell—elderly men who watch construction sites with arms behind their backs and a critical gaze—as romantic heroes. The film follows Antonio, the self-proclaimed 'King of the Umarell,' whose memories of pride and glory become a call for younger generations to proudly embrace their inner Umarell. Guagliardo describes the character as a dreamer and visionary who sees the finished building where others see only a hole. The surreal, poetic work aims to redeem those who feel compelled to hide their habit of observing urban transformations. The film was published by Artribune in July 2018.