Roberta Torre was born in Milan. After studying philosophy, she attended the Milan Film School and the Paolo Grassi Dramatic Arts Academy. In 1991 she began to make short films that were often awarded at Italian and international festivals. Though inspired by a form close to documentary and anthropological research, Torre’s directing is often stylistically close to that of stage direction, one that combines a bent for the portrait with a special sensitivity to the musical element in film. Lost Kisses is her fifth feature film. The Dark Sea (Mare Nero) (2006) Directed by Roberta Torre Friday - April 19 - 7:00 p.m. The day he was helping his girlfriend Veronica move in with him, Inspector Luca received a call that would alter their lives. Their love was fresh and honest and Veronica welcomed a serious relationship with Luca. The investigation was of the murder of a female university student. Uncovering details of the life of this seemingly innocent victim ignites in Luca fear, erotic desire, and obsessive attraction. He slowly begins to lose all sense of reality, even suspecting Veronica of being capable of leading a sordid double life. He becomes possessed by his own relentless nightmares and fantasies of sexual punishment and pleasure. Perhaps it is only a dream, from which one cannot wake up. Or perhaps not… (35mm. 95 min. Not Rated.) Lost Kisses (I Baci Mai Dati) (2010) Directed by Roberta Torre Saturday - April 20 - 7:00 p.m. I Baci Mai Dati (Lost Kisses) tells the comedic story of Manuela, a bored thirteenyear-old girl from a suburb of Sicily, who claims she can perform miracles. Everyone believes her, and from that moment on, masses of starving and needy people come pouring into her life. They plead for her to solve their problems - everything from a lost job, to victory in the next football championship. Manuela’s mother soon realizes the business potential in giving the needy a little hope in their lives. Before long, everyone finds themselves in a bit too deep. That is, until what seemed to be just an extraordinary and inexplicable event, actually does happen… a miracle? (35mm. 80 min. Not Rated.) cinema.indiana.edu Italian Film Festival & Conference 47