The Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco is a proud sponsor of the Italian movies presented at the film festival Frameline43.
ZEN IN THE ICE RIFT
Zen sul ghiaccio sottile
Dir. Margherita Ferri
2019, Italy, 87 min
Italian with English subtitles
Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th St., San Francisco
Teenage hockey standout Maia adamantly prefers to be called Zen. Sporting androgynous looks, Zen competes on the boys’ team; off the ice, though, Zen is forced to build a wall of isolation to shield the ever-growing onslaught of bullying. But a deepening friendship with beautiful Vanessa threatens to thaw Zen’s ice shell, as new feelings-even new identities-gradually seem possible. This sensitive debut feature is anchored by newcomer Eleonora Conti’s exquisite performance.