Table of Contents
Three Key Takeaways
- Marco Mazzone’s film T.I.N.A. explores the complex relationship between young people and their work lives, dismantling myths about work’s centrality to existence.
- The film’s independent production fostered a uniquely collaborative and fluid creative process, allowing for narrative risks and authentic storytelling.
- Mazzone hopes T.I.N.A. sparks reflection on the absurdities of modern work culture and looks forward to the film’s international reach through Not Film Fest.
Italian filmmaker Marco Mazzone’s T.I.N.A. is an intimate, ironic, and melancholic journey into the lives of three young people navigating an impersonal work world. With its insightful narrative and independent spirit, the film has earned a spot at Italy’s Nòt Film Fest, a festival known for its international scope and high-quality selections. Mazzone brings a personal and thoughtful voice to the screen, inviting audiences to reconsider the role of work in their lives.
Q&A Interview
What drew you to make this film? Why this story, and why now?
After finishing my studies and taking my first steps into the working world, I realized how profoundly work shapes people’s lives. Everything begins to revolve around it, and even conversations with my closest friends gradually became one-dimensional.
"For me, telling a story about work means dismantling the myths that surround it and reminding us that it is not the center of our existence."
Work is effort, it is necessity, but it is not the ultimate meaning of life. I believe that today, more than ever, bringing this awareness back into focus is essential.
What surprised you most about the filmmaking process this time—creatively or logistically? Was there a moment on set or in post that completely changed how you saw the story?
There wasn’t a single moment that stood out as the biggest surprise—it was the entire process that kept surprising me.
"The production was independent in the truest sense of the word, and everyone involved felt a deep personal connection to the theme."
That made the experience almost magical: everything unfolded with a sense of ease and flow, despite not having the resources or budget of a traditional production.
Is there a moment in the film that feels the most you—something only you could have made?
There isn’t a specific moment, but rather the way the story is told—with a tone that is playful, ironic, and yet tinged with melancholy—that makes it feel deeply connected to how I experience things. It reflects my personality.
What was the hardest creative decision you made while making this film?
The hardest creative decision was finding the ending. I didn’t know how to bring together the characters from the first three chapters. Then one day, a friend told me what had happened to him at work the day before—and that story became the final scene of the film.
What do you hope audiences take away from your film?
I hope that when people watch the film, they can find something of themselves in it and see their own work from a new perspective. I want it to spark a shared reflection on the often absurd conditions we face today, with the hope of improving them. I deeply believe in the social role of cinema and its power to create awareness.
How has this film shaped or shifted the kind of stories you want to tell next?
This film made me realize that I am on the right path, especially because of the risks I chose to take—both in the narrative structure and in the choice of theme. The audience’s response gave me the energy and confidence to keep exploring this world, while also experimenting with new ways of telling stories.
What’s a tool, technique, or resource that really helped you during production?
The people involved were the true driving force behind the story. Technically, the film is very simple, but its structure and form are complex. Without such amazing collaborators, none of this would have been possible.
Independent filmmakers often rewrite the rules out of necessity. What do you think is the greatest strength of independent filmmaking, and how did you lean into that on this project? Is there a lesson or breakthrough you’d share with others navigating this path?
I believe the greatest strength of independent filmmaking is the freedom to take risks, experiment, and tell stories without compromise. On this project, I was able to follow my instincts, structure the narrative the way I wanted, and tackle themes that truly mattered to me, without being bound by commercial or market constraints.
"The true value of an independent film lies not in its budget or resources, but in the passion of the people involved and the honesty with which you tell the story."
What does it mean to you to have your film selected for Nòt Film Fest?
This is a festival I’ve been aiming for. I’ve followed previous editions and have always admired the high quality of the selections. What I particularly appreciate is its international scope, even though it takes place in Italy. I can’t wait to attend the event and meet the other filmmakers involved.
How do you hope being part of Nòt Film Fest will shape the life of this film?
I hope that being part of Nòt Film Fest will give the film greater visibility and the chance to reach an international audience. I would like it to be an opportunity to connect with other filmmakers and industry professionals, receive valuable feedback, and create new opportunities to share and distribute the project.
Where do you see this film going next?
For now, the focus is on festivals: we want to introduce the film to as wide an audience as possible and gather people’s impressions.
"At the core of all my work is a desire to spark questions in people".
Cast & Crew
- Marco Mazzone — Filmmaker and writer behind T.I.N.A. His work focuses on socially relevant themes with a playful yet melancholic tone.
Main cast and crew details and credits can be found at IMDb.
