Massimiliano Gallo’s New Drama Film: Cast and Credits

Massimiliano Gallo has made his directorial debut with the dramatic film La salita, a production that explores the complexities of incarceration and human connection. The film was screened in preview on March 24, 2026, at the IPM di Nisida, an event attended by young detainees, educators, custodians, and the facility’s director, Gianluca Guida.

Plot and Setting

Set in 1983 on the island of Nisida, the narrative focuses on Emanuele, a young inmate at the juvenile prison in Naples. The story follows Emanuele’s daily life and his relationships with fellow detainees, including friends such as Enzo, Franchino, and Paolo.

The plot intertwines the experiences of these young men with other figures within the prison environment, including a melancholic professor named Maria and a kind-hearted prison guard named Giovanni.

Beyond the primary narrative of the inmates, the film is described as featuring a little-known anecdote from the life of Eduardo De Filippo. It presents a depiction of Nisida that differs from the imagery seen in the series Mare fuori, while maintaining a contemporary perspective on prison life and women behind bars.

Production and Cast

The film has a runtime of 90 minutes and is a production of Panamafilm, F.A.N., Rai Cinema, and Moodyproduction. The screenplay was developed by Riccardo Brun, Mara Fondacaro, and Massimiliano Gallo, based on a subject by Riccardo Brun.

The cast features a wide ensemble of performers:

• Roberta Caronia as Beatrice
• Alfredo Francesco Cossu as Emanuele
• Antonio Milo as Giovanni
• Shalana Santana as Maria
• Greta Esposito as Angela
• Maria Bolignano as Lucia
• Antonella Morea as Signora Pagano
• Gea Martire as Zia Rosaria
• Angela De Matteo as Concetta Cicala
• Lucianna De Falco as Cira
• Stefania Blandeburgo as the mother of Beatrice
• Marianna Mercurio as the mother of Enzo
• Gennaro Di Biase as Beatrice’s lawyer
• Diego D’Elia as Claudio
• Alessandro De Renzi as Franchino Malboro
• Manuel Mazia as Paolo Stoppa
• Francesco Piccirillo as Enzo il Rosso
• Luisa Esposito as Rosalia Maggio
• Giuseppe De Simone as Vincenzo
• Ludovica Ferraro as Paola
• Marisa Carluccio as Sara
• Eleonora Vanni as a journalist
• Gianfelice Imparato as the prison director
• Maurizio Casagrande as Carlo Croccolo
• Francesco Siciliano as Mayor Valenzi
• Mariano Rigillo as Eduardo De Filippo
• Paolo Cresta as boss Apicella
• Massimiliano Gallo as the adult Emanuele

Technical Credits

The production team includes Davide Sondelli on photography and Maria Fantastica Valmori on editing. The film’s music was composed by Enzo Avitabile, with set design handled by Giada Esposito and costumes by Eleonora Rella.

The film was produced by a team consisting of Donella Bossi Pucci, Riccardo Brun, Paolo Rossetti, Francesco Siciliano, Rino Pinto, Massimiliano Gallo, and Evelina Manna. Distribution in Italy is handled by Fandango.

About Massimiliano Gallo

Massimiliano Gallo, born on June 19, 1968, in Naples, is an actor and director. Prior to his directorial debut with La salita, he was known for his work in films such as The Hand of God (2021) and Loose Cannons (2010).