Jasmine Trinca stars as Maria Montessori in new biopic

Jasmine Trinca portrays Maria Montessori in the film "Maria Montessori – La nouvelle femme," directed by Léa Todorov. The movie, released in Italian theaters on September 26 via Wanted, focuses on two women in 1900: Lili d'Alengy, a Parisian courtesan hiding her disabled daughter Tina, and Montessori, who is developing a revolutionary teaching method while concealing her own illegitimate child. The film explores their mutual support in overcoming societal prejudices. Todorov chose Trinca early in the scriptwriting process, noting that Trinca's performance made her appreciate Montessori's character despite its ambiguities. The director aimed to depict Montessori's early experiments with atypical children in France, inspired by her own daughter's birth. The cast includes children with motor, cognitive, or sensory difficulties, reflecting the institute where Montessori worked. The film is endorsed by Opera Nazionale Montessori – ETS and was screened at the Festival di Film di Villa Medici in Rome. A special screening at Cinema Farnese on September 17 will feature Trinca and Todorov. Todorov hopes the film challenges society's lack of ambition for inclusivity.