It has already been selected at nearly 50 festivals worldwide, has won 14 awards and 5 honorable mentions: “Prove tecnici di empatia,” the short film on the theme of bullying directed by Jacopo Cullin and funded by the Municipality as part of the project, which involved the local children, is already a success. Jacopo Cullin, director of this small, yet powerful masterpiece, explains where the idea for the short film came from: "The project stemmed from the City's need to talk to young people about the important issue of bullying. Initially, I'd thought about starting an acting workshop, but the idea for the film came to me along the way. The goal was to explore this social problem from the bully's perspective, to explain how certain behaviors actually hide inner fragility. The kids followed a script, but there was also room for improvisation: I saw them grow overnight, they became more empathetic, and their friendships strengthened. The short film's success around the world is the result of these young people's dedication." Bianca Meloni, Deputy Mayor and Councilor for Social Policies, was pleased with the outcome: "The project was initiated by the administration to introduce young people between the ages of 14 and 23 to the topic of bullying and violence in general, not through the usual seminar but through an approach to theater and film through direct, hands-on experience. Theater is, in fact, a powerful educational and preventive tool against bullying because it promotes empathy, putting oneself in others' shoes, cooperation by eliminating marginalization, and emotional intelligence, allowing shy people to emerge. Through special techniques, the kids explore the dynamics of victim and perpetrator, developing self-awareness, learning to manage conflict, and reducing isolation and judgment." The idea to involve Cullin came from Guendalina Vargiu, President of the City Council: "We started from the need to address that age group and to address a sensitive topic like bullying. After a conversation with Jacopo, we realized that the best way to talk about it was to create a short film." Cinema will continue to be a hot topic in town, as Mayor Angelo Dessì assures: "Sarroch confirms its role as an artistic laboratory. Cinema can be used to address sensitive social issues. This project doesn't end with this film; there will soon be a new collaboration with Jacopo Cullin."

Ivan Murgana