Article by Marilina Rita Monzo
Translation by Irene Pezzini
L’amore che ho (The love I’ve got) by Paolo Licata, presented at the 42nd Torino Film Festival, celebrates Rosa Balisteri, an emblematic voice of Sicily and a symbol of social struggle and resistance. The film, based on the novel of the same name by Luca Torregrossa – the singer’s nephew – goes beyond merely recounting her musical career, but it also fully explores her personal battles and the most private and painful moments of her life.
Rosa is portrayed not only as an extraordinary artist, but also as a woman that challenged the rules of her time, using her voice as an instrument of denunciation and redemption. The story follows the most relevant moments of Rosa’s life: from the poverty of a Sicilian childhood marked by sacrifice and violence, to the national success in the 1960s and 1970s, to the beginning of the decline of her musical career. The narration delicately weaves together these episodes, composing a multi-layered portrait of a complex female figure, a determined woman capable of rebelling against a system that was trying to undermine her. The difficulties she experienced, from the family conflicts to the abuse she suffered, can be found in her songs, which become the cry of an often-forgotten humanity.
Music, a central element in the film, is not just an artistic aspect, but is a tool through which Rosa fights injustice. Her songs, always socially active, tackle issues such as patriarchy, Mafia and inequality, and become a symbol of resistance for an entire generation. The director succeeds in fully restoring Rosa’s fighting soul by emphasising her courage and modernity, which make her struggles topical.
Through an emotional and engaging narration, L’amore che ho is not only the story of an extraordinary life, but also an invitation to reflect on the role of women in society and the importance of not giving up when you face difficulties. Rosa Balistreri, with her powerful voice and indomitable soul, continues to be a symbol of strength and hope, a figure capable of speaking beyond her time. Paolo Licata offers a respectful and touching tribute, capable of restoring the cultural and human legacy of a woman who knew how to transform her pain into art. L’amore che ho is a tribute to the memory and strength of someone who knew how to protest, leaving a message that still resonates with vibrant relevance today.