Francesca Comencini

These are 25 of the brightest (but not necessarily most successful - but pretty successful) directors of the European Union's 25 member states. They each created a 5-minute "Vision of Europe". The approaches are surprisingly similar: they show either bureaucrats, "very ordinary" citizens, children, or refugees.

An unexpected pregnancy and premature birth become a burden that Maria is unprepared for. Lacking control over events for the first time in her life, she retreats into an emotional space where she is alone, until the day arrives when she must learn to live again for her vulnerable child. (imdb)

A woman comes across the difficulties of modern work: to force her to resign from her job, her firm tries all the humiliation techniques known as "mobbing". The film is based upon real cases reported by Italian unions. (imdb)

Gina and Marco are both very young and are determined to be "someone." They meet one morning in a shabby suburb at the gates of Rome. She has an appointment with a politician who could put a good word in for her and help her enter the entertainment world; he is the driver who has to take her to the meeting. (mubi.com)

At 30, Zeno's father dies, and he realizes that his youth is almost over. Meeting Giovanni Malfenti, a succesful gallery owner with four daughters, he's impressed by Malfenti's energy, and falls in love with one of his daughters. This relationship helps Zeno find peace and direction. (imdb)

Ciro disregards tradition in his attempt to become the next mafia mob boss. The internal power struggle puts him and his entire family's life at risk. (imdb)

A deeply felt narrative of the filmmaker's time with her father. A story that's both personal and told with the necessary distance. Like a passion, a life choice and a way of being in the world.