Ivan Kander

If our selections this week have proved anything, it’s that love can be dark. Well, if you’re a romantic, Nicola Sersale’s film Il Tour di Davide (David’s Tour)  provides a much needed change of pace—a sweet romantic comedy about a lovelorn tour guide on a personal journey to mend his broken heart.

Set amongst the landmarks and sun-streaked streets of Rome, Sersale’s film is a whimsical tour of hope and reconciliation. It’s not exactly a gritty, realistic take on relationships, but it’s undeniably charming—the  kind of film that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. And, considering that it’s Valentine’s Day, a bit of whimsy seems appropriate. In Sersale’s film, we watch as people from all cultures—tourists who speak different languages and hail from different lands—are joined together by love (that universally relatable emotion). Bolstered by some impressive production values and locations (especially for a student film), it’s a short that glides along, almost daring you to not to fall for its simple, agreeable charms. The lead performance from actor Edoardo Natoli is especially strong—he really elevates the material to a relatable place, that of a man who just wants his sweetheart back.

Sersale and his crew shot the film in his hometown of Rome for just over three days, most of which was spent on a double-decker bus. Their mobile set forced them to overcome a litany of challenges—from bad weather, to communication issues, to constant city traffic noise. At the very least, since it was two stories, they were able to use the first level of the bus to store equipment, costumes, and as a green room for the actors. They were literally a mobile production.

Corresponding via e-mail, Sersale writes, “Il Tour di Davide is a film about the importance of letting go and communicating openly with others…It’s a film that seeks to celebrate humanity and solidarity between people of different nations, reminding the viewer that ‘love knows no boundaries’, neither of culture, nor language.”

Well said, Mr. Sersale. So, on this Valentine’s Day sit back, relax, and enjoy a delightful trip on David’s Tour. And, be sure to keep up to date with Sersale’s work via his website.