First Snowfall

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Audience Member Dani (Jean-Christophe Folly), a Togolese refugee of the Libyan war, takes a job as a carpenter's apprentice in an Alpine village in northern Italy. He struggles to accept his new life, not least because the death of his wife some years before has left him alone with their infant daughter - a painful reminder to Dani of his lost love. Unable to bond with her or even show the slightest affection, it's not until he is faced with the inquisitive nature of the carpenter's grandson Michele (Matteo Marchel) that he begins to open up about his past. Equally grief stricken, Michele is grappling with the loss of his father, locking him into a volatile relationship with his mother. He refuses to go to school and is more interested in chopping wood with his grandfather or riding motorbikes. As Dani and Michele encounter each other they are able reluctantly to share their experiences and develop an unexpected bond. First Snowfall is a quietly mournful film about coping with loss and the acceptance of death. Both Dani and Michele have locked away their feelings in one way or another, and it's not until they communicate with each other, and find solace in the restful nature of the Alps and the simple pleasure of craft, that they are truly able to grieve. The natural landscape is breathtakingly captured and is as integral to the film as the central characters - swaying trees and tranquil mountains hold a transcendent beauty, something eternal that will never know death. Underpinned with a doleful accordion score this is an effortlessly moving experience of engaging humanity that sweeps us into two contrasting lives both marked by loss. Light on narrative, it occasionally drags as all sense of momentum drops off, but when Dani and Michele are on screen all is swiftly forgiven: the two actors Folly and Marchel are captivating together. With mysteries surrounding both their experiences they are initially guarded but grow in disclosure as the new friendship develops - two organic, nuanced performances impart this with a beautiful sweetness. A film you can really sense, the tactility and aroma of nature are key components from the outset. The lasting memory of First Snowfall is of being immersed in the wild, amongst the centuries old traditional crafts and woodsmoke - not an easy sensation to commit to film. But the land painted in a palette of rich orange and browns is so vivid we share in the salvation that Dani and Michele find there. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Read all reviews

First Snowfall

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