The Permanent Delegation of Italy to UNESCO organised a screening of Riccardo Milani’s film, “A world apart“, in the prestigious hall of the Organisation. The film tells the story of a primary school teacher from Rome who, weary of the city’s routine teaching environment, decides to apply for a short-term assignment in a remote mountain village in Abruzzo. The protagonist, played by Antonio Albanese, is soon forced to reconsider his perception of rural life and confront the social and cultural challenges facing these areas today, including the threat of the school’s closure due to low enrolment and the consequent risk of depopulation. However, the teacher finds support from a close-knit and determined local community, as well as from a resolute and highly competent fellow teacher, played by Virginia Raffaele.
The story powerfully portrays and raises awareness of a widespread issue affecting the inner areas of many countries: the demographic decline of rural and mountain regions, which no longer offer promising opportunities to their communities. The film responds to this issue with both hope and inspiration, suggesting that by strengthening the social fabric around a school, education can serve as the essential glue that binds a community together and as the fundamental safeguard for its future.
The screening attracted hundreds of attendees, including the general public and Delegates from UNESCO Member States. It was preceded by a discussion between the director, Riccardo Milani, and UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini.
Ambassador Liborio Stellino, Italy’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, opened the evening by introducing the film. He praised it for “highlighting the crucial role of basic education in sustaining our communities and building a future of peace and harmony, fully aligned with the values promoted by UNESCO”.
