Oops – Opi, a small town nestled in the heart of National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, becomes the scenography of a film that caught the attention of many: “A World Apart” by Riccardo Milani. This film not only achieved great success at the box office but also brought a new light on this hidden pearl of Abruzzodelicately recounting the drama of depopulation of internal areas.
The story of the film and its impact on Opi – “A World Apart” follows the story of Michelea master which leaves the Roman outskirts for a small mountain town, where he discovers a united community fighting to keep their school alive. The film, masterfully interpreted by Virginia Raffaele and Antonio Albanese, made Opi a real film set outdoors, attracting curious people and film enthusiasts in search of the iconic locations from the film.
A cultural and tourist phenomenon – The phenomenon of film tourism it’s not new, but “A World Apart” has shown how powerful it can be for small communities like Opi. THE touristsinspired by the events of the film, they come to discover the reality of a community who, despite the challenges, shows admirable resilience.
As director Milani said in a recent interview: “The schools that close in small towns are the death of Italy”, underlining the vital importance of small schools for the social and educational fabric of the country.
The beauty of “remainder” – The concept of “remainder”, or the choice of stay in less populated places despite the economic and social difficulties, he is at the center of the film. This life choice is seen not as a surrender, but as an act of love and resistance. And Opi, with his 379 inhabitantsis a shining example of how community can be the driving force for a sustainable future.
Riccardo Milani shared: “My greatest satisfaction is having rendered a useful service to a hard-working community with a comedy.” This phrase particularly resonates in a place like Opi, where the beauty and the harshness of life they are inextricably intertwined.
Visit Opinot only to walk in the locations of the film, but to feel theessence of a community who fights tenaciously to preserve their own identity And culture. Opi is not just a film set, it is a symbol of resistance and hope for all the small Italian communities.
Fonte: Comune di Opi
