Maltese actor and presenter Martin Sapiano is preparing for an international appearance in Venice with I Bambini Giocano alla Guerra, taking on a key role in a production built around a universal message of peace.
The project is scheduled to premiere on 4 September during events linked to the Venice Film Festival, bringing Sapiano together with young actor Matthew Hammett and a cast of Maltese children.
Martin Sapiano takes on a key role
For Sapiano, the Venice appearance places him at the heart of a project that uses the innocence of childhood to explore a much heavier subject.
I Bambini Giocano alla Guerra begins with children playing together, complete with smiles, laughter and paper bombs. As they grow older, however, that innocent game gives way to the reality of war and the loss of childhood innocence.
Sapiano said the message behind the production is one that adults should not ignore.
“Children naturally dream, laugh and play together. The message of Children Play War reminds us that peace should never become a forgotten game. It is a powerful reminder that the world we leave to future generations depends on the choices we make today.”
A Maltese presence in the production
Sapiano is joined by Matthew Hammett and Maltese children Rita Pisani, Caszneya Sapiano, Raquela Sapiano, Elea Marie Borg Cardona and Kuca Camilleri.
The production was created from a concept by Marilanda Majello, directed by Mario Santocchio and produced by Max Films. The text was written by Marvin Lark, with music composed by Vezio Bacci under the artistic supervision of Maestro Adriano Pennino.
At the centre of the project is the idea that children are not born seeking conflict, but can learn it from the adult world around them. The production contrasts childhood play with the consequences of real conflict, where children can become its victims.
Sapiano prepares for Venice
The 4 September appearance will give Sapiano and the Maltese members of the cast an international platform for a project intended to encourage reflection on what one generation passes on to the next.
For Sapiano, the message is ultimately about responsibility. His words place the focus not only on the world children inherit, but on the choices adults make in shaping it today.
With Venice now approaching, Sapiano is set to represent Maltese talent in a production that asks audiences to consider whether peace can become the game that children never have to forget.
