Director Sergio Castellitto, known for 'My Red Heart,' crafts an unforgettable, deep love story based on a novel by his wife, Margaret Mazzantini.



The protagonist, Gemma, is portrayed by Spain's leading actress, Penélope Cruz. Now a mother herself, Cruz authentically embodies Gemma's journey through the years, from a young university student to a mother facing her 16-year-old son.

Diego, with whom Gemma finds love, is played by Emile Hirsch, a rising star known for his remarkable performances. The couple's son, a key figure in the story, is portrayed by the director's own son, Pietroin his real-life role.

One day, Gemma, living in Rome, receives a phone call from Gojko, an old friend from her university days in Sarajevo. To mend her relationship with her 16-year-old son, Pietro, Gemma decides to embark on a journey with him to revisit her past.

Over 20 years ago, Gemma, a university student studying in Sarajevo, fell in love with Diego, a young American. They married, and though she longed for a child, her dream remained unfulfilled. Later, amidst the outbreak of ethnic conflict in Sarajevo, the couple conceived a child through a surrogate. To protect their newborn, Gemma chose to return to Italy, while Diego had to remain in Sarajevo. Neither knew it would be their eternal farewell.—.

Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous Europe, this film meticulously portrays the universal love between a man and a woman, and the profound depths of human affection, including motherhood and fatherhood. The sorrow of losing a loved one, the challenges of a parent-child relationship, the truths revealed over time—viewers cannot help but empathize with Gemma's emotional journey.

'Twice Born'

Opens nationwide on November 1st (Friday) at TOHO Cinemas and other locations.

Director | Sergio Castellitto

Screenplay | Margaret Mazzantini, Sergio Castellitto

Starring | Penélope Cruz, Emile Hirsch, Adnan Hasković, Jane Birkin

2012 | Italy-Spain | Italian, English, Bosnian | Original Title: 'VENUTO AL MONDO' | English Title: 'TWICE BORN'

http://www.aru-ai.com/