Avemmaria

Felice lives in two dark rooms of a crumbling building with his father Raffaele, recently laid off, his mother Antonietta, too young and worn down by grief, his grandmother Filomena, always dressed in black and filled with resentment, and three brothers, with another on the way. In that world of poverty and violence, a boy like him can either be crushed or cling to his dreams. His imagination is his refuge, but in Pianura there's no room for fantasy - being poor and a dreamer is a fault. Yet his teacher, Giulia, recognizes his singing talent and tries to offer him new horizons. When Felice sees Neil Armstrong's footprint in his textbook, he realizes he too might leave Pianura and reach the moon.

Directed by Fortunato Cerlino, Avemmaria leans on a strong ensemble — Salvatore Esposito, Marianna Fontana, Mario Di Leva — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 2026.