An Exclusive Interview with Louis Nero on His Latest Film "Milarepa".

MILAREPA (2025) is the latest film from acclaimed Italian screenwriter and director Louis Nero, who also serves as the founder and president of the international production and distribution company, L’Altrofilm. Set against the backdrop of an ancient mythological era, the film follows the journey of Mila, a young girl whose life is irrevocably changed by the tragic loss of her father. This pivotal moment thrusts her into an extraordinary adventure where the transcendental and corporeal realms collide with intensity, ultimately achieving a profound harmony through the heroine’s spiritual rebirth.

FILMNEWSUK sat down with Louis Nero to discuss the film.

FN: Tell us about your trajectory as a filmmaker.

LN: My path as a filmmaker has always been linked to the exploration of the inner world. I’ve directed films that combine spirituality, symbolism, and human fragility, often working through international co-productions and multicultural casts. Over the years, my cinema has become a space where visual language and introspection meet — where storytelling becomes a pathway toward deeper meanings. I approach filmmaking as an extension of my own spirituality: observing, listening, letting images breathe. In this sense, Milarepa is a natural evolution of my artistic trajectory, as it unites my passion for myth, transformation, and the dialogue between light and darkness.FN: How did the idea for this film come about?LN: The idea was born years ago from my fascination with the historical and spiritual figure of Milarepa and from the desire to tell an initiatory journey from a female perspective. I wanted to explore not only action and narrative tension, but the profound interior movement of a young woman confronting her wounds, her anger, and her longing for meaning. The story grew from the wish to create a film that could act as a mirror for the audience — a cinematic path of transformation.FN: The film is set in Sardinia, Italy — what led you to this very unique land?LN: Sardinia is a land that speaks on its own. Its primordial silence, its austere landscapes, and its ancient stones carry a spiritual vibration unlike any other place. I needed a setting that could reflect Mila’s inner world — harsh, wounded, yet capable of revelation. Sardinia offered exactly that: a landscape that becomes a character, a guide, sometimes an adversary, and often a teacher. Its nature is deeply connected to ancestral forces, and this resonated perfectly with the film’s themes of transformation and rebirth.

FN: How did you work with the distinctive landscape of the island?LN: My intention was to embrace the natural world rather than bend it to cinematic needs. Since the film’s universe is one without electricity, I challenged myself to use natural light as much as possible, letting the landscape determine the visual rhythm. The external shots are static and ritualistic, reflecting the timelessness of Sardinia’s environment, while the interiors carry Mila’s turmoil with dynamic, handheld photography. The landscape becomes a mirror of her evolution — first harsh and desaturated, then gradually more luminous as she grows in awareness.FN: While set in Sardinia, the language is English — tell us about the film’s co-production aspect.LN: It was conceived from the very beginning as an international project. The story unfolds in a multicultural environment and is performed by a cast of actors from different countries. Our previous projects were also international co-productions, and this film follows the same strategy: working across markets, involving long-standing partners, and building new collaborations. We have established relationships and we are supported by international sales agencies and distributors. Using English was a natural choice to ensure global accessibility while preserving the universal resonance of the story.6) What thematic threads constitute the kernel of the film, and how do you see them in dialogue with the present?At the heart of Milarepa lie transformation, revenge, and redemption. Mila’s journey begins with the desire for vengeance after the violent death of her father, but as she crosses both external and inner landscapes, she discovers that true healing comes only through forgiveness. These themes speak powerfully to our present moment: in a world driven by speed, reaction, and polarisation, the film invites viewers to pause, to listen, and to confront their own shadows. The message is simple yet radical — the true revolution is interior.7) The film brings together film stars and younger actors — tell us about your work with them and the interaction between themI chose actors who could bring authenticity and depth rather than just technical performance. Harvey Keitel, F. Murray Abraham, Angela Molina, Diana Dell’ Erba, Isabelle Allen — each of them carries a spiritual intensity that enriches the film. Isabelle, in particular, combines vulnerability and strength, making her the ideal Mila. I guided the actors by encouraging them to feel before acting, to let the landscapes and silences shape their performances. Many scenes emerged through a guide to the deeper meanings of the script, allowing younger and more experienced actors to interact fluidly. Their exchange created a living, breathing dynamic — one where each performer brought a piece of their own truth.

MILAREPA will screen at the Italian Cultural Institute at 18.30 on Wednesday 26^th of November. The screening will be followed by a Q&A lead by film critic Rita di Santo and the filmmaker.

Admission is free, but registration is required. Please register here: https://iiclondra.esteri.it/en/milarepa-by-louis-nero/