As someone from southern Italy, the issue of migration hits close to home for Ms. Dell’Anna. She shared, “Southern Italians have a history of emigrating, especially during the Second World War. I have family members who have emigrated, and I am an emigrant myself.” This sentiment was expressed prior to a special screening of her film at the Palace of Nations in Switzerland.
Her film is inspired by the true story of Italian nun Mother Francesca Cabrini, who was tasked by Pope Leo XIII to assist vulnerable migrants arriving in the United States in the early 1900s. The film sheds light on the discrimination and racism faced by impoverished, dark-skinned Italian migrants who had yet to learn English in the bustling city. Italian street children were even referred to as “monkeys.”
A Painfully Accurate Portrayal
Ms. Dell’Anna emphasized the accuracy of the film, mentioning a particular scene inspired by a historical photograph. She stated, “Everything you see in the movie actually happened at some point.”
Despite facing serious illness, Mother Cabrini, along with other Italian nuns and volunteers, worked tirelessly in the Five Points slum, caring for orphans and providing them with food, clothing, and education. She was canonized in 1946, becoming the first US citizen to be made a saint.
Ms. Dell’Anna believes that Mother Cabrini’s story can inspire people, saying, “We’ve forgotten how to be inspired, and I think Cabrini’s story could reignite that idea.”
Reflecting on Migration
Ms. Dell’Anna posed a thought-provoking question, asking, “Where does the migrant stand today in a world where it’s easier to trade goods than to facilitate human movement?” She stressed the importance of reflecting on these issues and understanding the value of human beings compared to material possessions.
Recent UN data reveals that there are approximately 281 million international migrants worldwide, with numbers on the rise due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and climate change. Ms. Dell’Anna urges against succumbing to divisive rhetoric surrounding migration, asserting that it undermines our common humanity.
Fostering Dignity
With a meticulously researched background on Mother Cabrini’s life and advocacy work, the film delves into her challenges and mistreatment in New York. Ms. Dell’Anna believes that the film provides insight into the migrant experience and highlights the universal right to dignity that should be respected.
When asked how Mother Cabrini might have reacted to the film, Ms. Dell’Anna expressed confidence that she would be pleased with the portrayal of the migrant experience. She stated, “She would be pleased that we are telling the story, not for her sake, but for the migrants who are the central characters in the narrative.”
