In the heart of Italian cinema's golden age, rising Italian actress Rebecca Antonaci emerges in the captivating new drama Finalmente l'Alba (Finally Dawn). Directed by the acclaimed Saverio Costanzo, the film follows the journey of Mimosa, a young Italian woman portrayed by Antonaci, as she navigates the glitz and glamor of 1950s Rome's Cinecittà film studios. Set against the backdrop of Cinecittà, Mimosa (Rebecca Antonaci) embarks on a transformative journey after auditioning to be an extra in a lavish Hollywood production. What begins as a simple audition spirals into a night of enchantment and discovery as Mimosa finds herself immersed in the world of movie stars and larger-than-life personalities. As Mimosa delves deeper into this intoxicating realm, she encounters Josephine Esperanto (Lily James), a charming Hollywood diva, and her entourage, including the insecure yet kind-hearted actor Sean Lockwood (Joe Keery) and the wise and caring Rufus Priori (Willem Dafoe). As Mimosa's journey unfolds, she grapples with themes of ambition, vanity, and self-discovery, ultimately finding herself at a crossroads between the allure of fame and the pursuit of authenticity. Alongside her co-stars, Antonaci delivers a nuanced and heartfelt portrayal, capturing the innocence and wonder of a young woman navigating the complexities of the movie industry.

Elizaveta Filchenko __ I understand that you are the first in your family to pursue a career in acting. It's often challenging for families to grasp the decision of a child opting for a creative profession. How did your family react when you expressed your desire to become an actress?

Rebecca Antonaci __ I was lucky to have a very open-minded family who supported my desire to be part of the art world. They gave me all the support I needed and I thank them very much for that. They were happy for me, for having found something that made me feel good.

EF __ You are also a singer and a songwriter, and you started playing the piano and saxophone when you were only 11 years old as well. Does this musical background help you in your acting career?

RA __ Music served as a means for me to delve into my emotions, thereby enhancing my acting abilities. I  discovered sides of myself that I didn't know, and nuances of my sensitivity. This greater awareness has proven invaluable in my acting career.

EF __ In 2023, you released your debut music album, Morfina, expressing that music serves you as therapy. Please share if you tend to write songs during challenging periods in your life and how the process of creating music contributes to helping you cope with personal difficulties.

RA __ The circumstances in which I write music are never the same, but they are all moments in which I feel particularly sensitive and inspired. Writing helps me understand what I feel inside, to free myself from all the paranoia, anxiety, and pain. Music also helps me remember good moments and freeze them in time.

EF __ Your music video Adolescenti touches on themes like first relationships and the journey into adulthood. In the film Finalmente l'Alba (Finally Dawn), your character Mimosa undergoes a similar experience. Can you share if your music has played a role in helping you understand your character better?

RA __ In this instance, I didn't draw inspiration from my music to delve into the character of Mimosa because she represents a persona quite distant from my own experiences. Instead, I immersed myself in films from the era and allowed the nostalgic melodies of the 1950s to influence my understanding of the character.

EF __ You’ve participated in TV series, theatrical performances, and short films. Were there any differences working for this big screen production Finalmente l'Alba compared to your previous projects?

RA __ The main difference was the time. I had months to prepare the character, guided by Saverio's precise instructions; this longer time of preparation allowed me to attend to every detail of my performance.

EF __ I admire Fellini's art, and I understand that your character, Mimosa, draws inspiration from his wife, Giulietta Masina. Recognizing the differences in societal expectations between your time and now, do you believe that this story has the potential to empower and boost the confidence of young women today in accepting themselves?

RA __ Absolutely yes. My favorite scene in the movie is the final one, where Mimosa experiences a transformative journey into a resilient and empowered woman. Mimosa's story sends a universal message that does not belong to just one historical period: accept yourself, don't wear masks, and believe in your essence. I hope that this message resonates not only with today's youth but also with individuals of all ages.

EF __ Drawing from my own experience working on set, I understand the important role that communication and collaboration between actors and directors play in the success of a project. How was your relationship with director Saverio Costanzo?

RA __ To me, he wasn't just a remarkable director but a true master. His exceptional ability to connect with actors and immerse them entirely into their roles is truly remarkable. He provides all the necessary insights to grasp the context fully, and his profound sensitivity never fails to leave a lasting impression on me.

EF __ You’ve been working with very famous and talented actors. What lessons have you learned from them?

Photography Giorgio Codazzi, Stylist Samanta Pardini, Hair and Makeup Valeria Iovino using Cotril, Interview Elizaveta Filchenko, Talent Rebecca Antonaci (MPunto Comunicazione)