It all started around the year 2000, when I was involved with the Down syndrome association in Rome. The director Stefano Vicario called me and several other young men to audition for his film, which was set on a beautiful sailing boat. I was chosen because of my experience in sailing—I'd attended the Morosini Naval School in Venice. I was thrilled. Being selected felt like a real gift. The cast included well-known actors like Claudio Amendola, Anna Valle, and Mariano Rigillo, as well as emerging talent, including Francesco Venditti, son of the famous singer Antonello.
The film was shot between Argentario and the Pontine Islands. It tells the story of a group of young people with various difficulties who are entrusted to a skipper—Claudio Amendola—who helps them learn to manage the boat through sail therapy. It was the most wonderful thing I've ever done. I learned skills I'd never had before, and I discovered how much acting means to me. Every morning, waking up early to reach the boat, spending the day in the open air, breathing sea wind, and getting sunburned—it was all beautiful.
The greatest moment came when we shot the final scene in a helicopter. Seeing the world from above was incredible. To film that scene safely, the helicopter's door had to stay open, so I was strapped into a special harness to keep me from falling. While we were filming, we threw a surprise birthday party for Anna Valle with a big cake. When the film wrapped, we all jumped into the sea from the boat to celebrate—and since I didn't have my swimsuit on in that shot, I dove in wearing my boxer shorts. It was an amazing experience!
