My Class

The seemingly straightforward tale of a compassionate veteran teacher offering Italian lessons to a diverse group of immigrants is given much greater depth and complexity through director Daniele Gaglianone’s storytelling approach. By blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, truth and illusion, and documentary and drama, Gaglianone crafts a film within a film. The apparent contrivance of Gaglianone’s team, featuring professionals like renowned actor Valerio Mastandrea as the teacher, is intertwined with ‘real’ immigrant characters who are learning the language to enhance their job prospects and secure permanent residency. Throughout the lessons, the students’ personal stories unfold, revealing both painful and poignant moments, while also providing humor as they connect and share their humanity, overcoming cultural barriers in their quest for a better life.