Young, brilliant and always ready to prove herself. Angelica Cinquantini, an actress from Rome born in 1998, embarked on her journey into the glittering world of acting when she was only eight years old, making her debut in Gabriele Salvatores’ Quo Vadis Baby? A sparkling, fresh and playful spirit, the then little Angelica shows an uncontrollable passion for being on stage; a scenario that seems to have been designed specifically for her and her desire to act. An enthusiastic child who approached the set with a good dose of unawareness: this is how the actress herself speaks of herself at the age of eight. A ‘little tornado’ with that healthy nonchalance typical of children that allowed her to tackle each audition as if it were a game. And this has been the real key to her success: the young actress always acts having fun, constantly giving her best.
As the years go by, that passion that seems to be engraved in her DNA becomes a real profession for Angelica. In 2020, the actress took part in the feature film for RaiPlay Il cinema non si ferma; in 2021, it was the turn of Casanova Opera Pop, in which the young Roman played the role of the female lead Francesca Erizzo. And now, in 2024, Angelica Cinquantini takes on the role of the enterprising Mita Medici, in the Rai Califano docu-film. A narration through images that tells the story of the great singer-songwriter, under the direction of Alessandro Angelini. In the role of one of the great loves that marked the artist’s career, the young actress says she learned a lot from Mita, from always having self-respect to the courage to stand up after a defeat.
«I really enjoyed being on set and having fun, with a playful spirit. My first experiences ‘as an actress’ taught me so much and will always remain etched in my heart»
You approached the world of acting at a very young age with Gabriele Salvatores’ TV series Quo Vadis Baby? What was it like working on a film set at such a tender age?
I have always had a passion for transformism since I was a child. In my family, the artistic vein was never lacking: I grew up listening to my mother sing alongside my father, who is a musician. When I was a child, my parents used to perform together and they had a lot of show clothes in their wardrobe. I used to have a lot of fun dressing up, for example in flashy shiny jackets. I invented scripts, stood on tables, danced. In short, I never stopped; it’s something that’s been in my blood since childhood.
Then by chance, while still very young, I started taking part in auditions for commercials. Then the opportunity arose for me to take part in my first TV project, Quo Vadis Baby?, for Sky Cinema. Fortunately, it went well (laughs, ed). From then on, I never stopped; at that time I approached every single audition as if it were a game. Of course at that time, as I was still very young, I experienced everything with a good dose of unawareness and I was completely uninhibited. I really enjoyed being on set and having fun, with a playful spirit. My first experiences ‘as an actress’ taught me so much and will always remain etched in my heart.
As the years went by, I obviously grew up and developed a greater awareness in approaching acting. Being on set having fun, however, has never changed.
«As soon as I smell the stage I am happy, I feel an adrenalin rush, a charge so strong that it is even difficult to describe»
We have seen you on TV but also in theatre musicals such as Alice in Wonderland, directed by Christian Ginepro. Between cinema and theatre, in which environment do you feel most comfortable? Why?
I couldn’t tell you which of the two I prefer; the love for theatre and the love for cinema are two completely different things. Exactly like having to choose between two children: it is practically impossible. The theatre definitely offers a more direct impact with the audience; on stage the satisfaction is immediate when you realise that the project you took part in was appreciated. There is a continuous exchange of energy between the actor and the people in front of him. As soon as I smell the stage I am happy, I feel an adrenalin rush, a charge so strong that it is even difficult to describe. Then, as I am in love not only with acting but also with singing, the musical for me represents the perfect combination; the ideal instrument capable of condensing all my passions.
The set, on the other hand, gives a different kind of emotion. There the satisfaction comes ‘late in the day’ when you see yourself in the character’s shoes. It is also interesting to note certain nuances of the acting act, such as facial expressions, gestures… I also have a lot of fun in the film environment, but in a totally different way than when I am involved in a theatre project. In both contexts, however, I love to convey emotions, a certain humanity, remaining true always and in any case.
I repeat, for me it is impossible to choose between theatre and film. The ideal would probably be to act in a musical and a film every year: a dream.
Angelica Cinquantini: «The role of Mita will inevitably bind me to her for the rest of my life and she was able to bring out an enthusiastic part of me which, in a way, I would like to represent a new beginning for me»
You graduated in Psychology and then continued your path in the world of acting. What is the relationship between these two spheres in your life?
I embarked on a university course in Psychology after a phase of detachment from acting. At that time, I needed to find myself and understand whether acting was really the right path for me. As I mentioned earlier, I approached the world of acting from a very young age with a certain unawareness; in a way, I ‘found’ myself being an actress. Then, as a teenager, I couldn’t quite understand whether that was a real desire of mine or not.
This is precisely why I felt the need to distance myself from acting for a while. I went to high school and then enrolled in university. Studying Psychology helped me a lot in self-analysing myself inwardly. Then, while writing my thesis, I really realised that I was hungry for acting and wanted to throw myself into it. The university made me feel safe, it was a comfort zone where I was always comfortable; however, it did not give me the drive that one feels when facing an audition with the desire to win it.
On 11 February, the film Califano, directed by Alessandro Angelini, aired on Rai 1. Here we saw you in the role of Mita Medici, stage name Patrizia Vistarini. Did you enjoy playing this role?
I particularly loved the role of Mita Medici because it allowed me to get back on track. I got to know the real Mita with whom I had a wonderful relationship. Just yesterday she wrote me a very emotional message in which she said she was satisfied with my acting in her shoes. And that for me was the most important judgement of all of course. The role of Mita will inevitably bind me to her for the rest of my life and she was able to bring out an enthusiastic part of me which, in a way, I would like to represent a new beginning for me.
«By playing this character, I learnt the importance of always maintaining dignity and respect for oneself, despite any rejection one may receive»
What has this character taught you? Do you reflect yourself in it?
By playing this character, I learnt the importance of always maintaining dignity and respect for oneself, despite any rejection one may receive. Another value she passed on to me is the will to get back on one’s feet and start again, without falling down. And in this last aspect I reflect myself a lot: I am a deeply optimistic person; after a fall I always try to get back up with a smile.
Then I am definitely more reserved than my character, perhaps a little more shy; she has always shown more initiative. However, when I open up to the people around me I become exactly like Mita: I like to make those around me feel at ease, I joke, make jokes, involve them. Then she and I also share the same zodiac sign, we are Leo (laughs, ed).
Under one of your Instagram posts you wrote: ‘Califano is an extraordinarily delicate and human product’. In what sense?
I believe that young people today know Califano somewhat superficially; they may hum his songs, but then they are not aware of the life and vulnerability of this extraordinary artist. Alessandro Angelini’s direction listened to the characters in the film and allowed us to listen to each other. And this, in my opinion, made the whole project very sensitive. Each actor approached his role with particular respect, Leo above all, who played the character of Franco Califano with delicacy and humanity, without aping him.
What was it like working alongside Leo Gassman and in general with the rest of the cast?
What you see in the film Califano is a young cast. We had a lot of fun on the set, always respecting each other. A really good relationship was created, a sort of family in which a very positive energy flows. We guys in the cast, including Leo, saw each other often outside the shoot. With him, from the moment of the audition, I always felt calm and safe.
I remember the first day of the set: there was a classic first-day-of-school atmosphere. It was very nice.
«The one I starred in at the end is a true documentary; a product that allowed the audience and myself to delve deeper into the depths of such an extraordinary singer-songwriter»
What values do you think the film Califano conveys? And why was it important to make a film about him?
First of all, perseverance; the strength not to give up despite any tragic events that may undermine a life path. Then, of course, the courage to get back up and continue with one’s passion, one’s art. In the film, Califano is presented from a deeper perspective than the average person knows him. One is shown his fragility as a man, one sometimes sees him go through moments of loneliness. And, in the end, one is led to empathise with this character and understand the depth hidden in his songs, lyrics that everyone still hums and remembers today.
Before seeing the film, many people did not know that Califano had written many songs for other artists, such as Minuetto, etc. Precisely for this reason, in my opinion, the one I starred in at the end is a true documentary; a product that allowed the audience and myself to delve deeper into the depths of such an extraordinary singer-songwriter.
Looking to the future, is there a character you would love to play?
I would have many names. In particular, however, as I am a big fan of musicals, I would particularly like to cast myself as Fantine from Les Misérables. Or a somewhat bolder character, in the style of Girls Interrupted, to test myself. In general, I would very much appreciate roles that allow me to experiment, let’s say.
We will soon see you in Viola come il mare 2. Which character do you play in this series?
I will play a disabled girl who enters into a somewhat troubled relationship with a deaf character. And the rest you will see with your own eyes, for now I cannot reveal more.
Credits
Photographer: Simone Panetta
Stylist: Stefania Sciortino
Hair and make-up: Lena Bantoula
Press Office: Amendola – Corallo Comunicazione
Location: Adèsso Hotel
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