Article by Davide Lassandro
Translation by Giorgia Mazzù
A white corridor. A blinding, almost divine light. A choir of voices that seem to emanate from the beyond. Mario Balsamo introduces the Anemos hospice in Turin in his latest documentary, In ultimo—a concise yet poignant title that encapsulates the mission pursued with care and dedication by the hospice staff: guiding individuals toward understanding their illness and embracing that condition in which we all stand as equals. Every shot is overexposed and prolonged, a deliberate choice that transports the viewer into a suspended, timeless dimension entirely removed from ordinary reality.
Managed by the nonprofit organization Luce per la vita and set amidst nature, the residential centre provides care for patients in advanced stages of illness who require specialized palliative care as they approach the end of life. Thanks to the skills and empathy of Dr. Claudio Ritossa, patients are heard and understood, and they are able to voice their deepest fears in the hope of finding meaning in their reality. Balsamo masterfully captures every gesture and glance through close-ups and intricate details, alternating with shots of outdoor and natural spaces that mark the passage of time and the cycles of life. Caring for nature—primarily through gardening—complements medical care, helping to deepen patients’ self-awareness: those who care for themselves are better able to help others. Through mindfulness practices focused on exploring an often-overlooked inner dimension, Dr. Ritossa teaches various experiential techniques to help hospice staff improve their interpersonal relationships and their connection with patients: only through the heart can the ideal doctor-patient relationship be achieved.
Talking about death is never easy. What better way to approach it than by celebrating life? Avoiding excessive sadness or self-pity, Mario Balsamo demonstrates great sensitivity in portraying the patients’ emotional states with simplicity and lightness. He captures the tenderness, spontaneity, and vulnerability of the elderly who spend their final moments in the hospice, crafting a portrait that is both delicate and profound.