Film Review: Viva Verdi!

Directed by Yvonne Russo
78 min – United States – Subtitled

If you are looking for an affordable place to retire, I know just the spot. It helps if you are a singer or musician. And Italian. And super charming and talented.

Casa Verdi is a retirement home (don’t call it a nursing home – the residents will correct you!) in Milan that was built in 1898 by Giuseppe Verdi, Italy’s most beloved composer and conductor. In an act of immense generosity, he established it as a place for musicians “of limited means,” who would pay on a sliding scale. The residents consist of opera singers, composers, musicians of all genres, and others from the world of performing arts.

A typical day at Casa Verdi consists of at least one concert or recital, either from a resident or a guest; delicious meals (with wine!); and wonderful companionship everywhere. Memory care sessions involve music recall through song, of course, which seems to be highly successful. The residents also go on outings, such as a trip to La Scala opera house for a performance.

Viva Verdi focuses on a few residents, filmed over several years, but we get peeks into the lives and talents of many. One former opera singer, Claudio Giombi, is featured throughout. He appears to live life to its fullest every minute of the day, and couldn’t be in a better place.

In addition to the older long-term residents, there is housing for 16 music students, who have the added benefit of receiving coaching on site from artists with eminent careers. In every way this is a win-win model for healthy living and aging.

This documentary is from the same producer who made Ai Weiwei’s Turandot, Christine La Monte, and directed by Maxim Derevianko.

About the Santa Barbara International Film Festival

The Santa Barbara International Film Festival is a celebrated venue for independent and international cinema. Over its 40-year history, SBIFF has grown into one of the leading film festivals in the United States, known for its commitment to community education and the arts. The festival not only showcases world-class filmmaking but also supports educational initiatives aimed at students and underserved communities within Santa Barbara County. For detailed information on films and events featured at the festival, please visit SBIFF’s official website.