In the face of grief, I don't believe in peace. I don't know if I showed too much, or opened the doors on the staff but also closed a circle: so Kasia Smutniak on the documentary about Pietro Taricone
Kasia Smutniak, a Polish-born Italian actress and director, reflects on her documentary 'Mustang,' which explores the legacy of her late former partner, Pietro Taricone, who died in a parachute accident in 2009. The film traces the journey she and Taricone took together to the Mustang region in Nepal in 2003, where they aimed to provide aid to local communities. After Taricone’s death, Smutniak returned to Mustang in 2010 with her mother, and in 2024, her daughter Sophie retraced their steps, using her late father’s old camera to film the trip. The documentary combines archival footage from 2003 with new material from 2024, highlighting themes of transformation, hope, and continuity. Smutniak describes the film as hopeful rather than tragic, emphasizing the positive impact of Taricone’s work through the Taricone Foundation, which established the Ghami Solar School in Nepal.
Kasia Smutniak has spoken openly about her personal journey through grief and transformation in her new documentary, Mustang, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival 2026. The film explores the legacy of her late partner, Pietro Taricone, who died in a parachuting accident in 2009. Smutniak described her approach to dealing with loss as one centered on transformation rather than peace. She stated she does not believe in peace in the face of mourning but instead sees it as an opportunity for change. "I don’t think it’s worth telling my life story," she said, "but this piece of my history could be hope for many people." The documentary traces Smutniak's relationship with Taricone, beginning with their trip to Mustang, a mountainous region in Nepal, in 2003. They had promised to return to help the local communities, but Taricone's death left the promise unfulfilled. In 2010, Smutniak returned to Mustang with her mother, and again in 2024, her daughter Sophie, born in 2004, retraced their steps. Sophie carried her father's old MiniDV camera, filming her journey much like Taricone did with Smutniak years before. The film combines these two video sources, past and present, to create a narrative of memory and contemporary experience. Smutniak compared Mustang to her earlier documentary Mur, which focused on people trying to save migrants in Belarusian forests because they believed it was the right thing to do. "If one person does something right, it gives me hope for humanity," she said. The film highlights the work of the Foundation established in honor of Taricone, which led to the creation of the Ghami Solar School in Mustang, providing education to children who otherwise would have had no access to formal schooling. The documentary will be released in Italian cinemas by Fandango on November 26. Smutniak reflected on whether she revealed too much in the film, acknowledging that personal aspects were exposed but also noting that the emotional connections made the story more recognizable. "I opened up personally but also closed a circle," she said. The film was presented at the Rome Film Festival alongside other works by female directors exploring themes of loss, love, and desire. Smutniak's Mustang stands out for its deeply personal yet universal narrative, blending the private with the public, and highlighting the resilience of the human spirit amid adversity. The documentary will be available in theaters starting November 23.
Kasia Smutniak, a Polish-born Italian actress and director, reflects on her documentary 'Mustang,' which explores the legacy of her late former partner, Pietro Taricone, who died in a parachute accident in 2009. The film traces the journey she and Taricone took together to the Mustang region in Nepal in 2003, where they aimed to provide aid to local communities. After Taricone’s death, Smutniak returned to Mustang in 2010 with her mother, and in 2024, her daughter Sophie retraced their steps, using her late father’s old camera to film the trip. The documentary combines archival footage from 2003 with new material from 2024, highlighting themes of transformation, hope, and continuity. Smutniak describes the film as hopeful rather than tragic, emphasizing the positive impact of Taricone’s work through the Taricone Foundation, which established the Ghami Solar School in Nepal.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural project centered around a documentary exploring personal history and humanitarian efforts in Nepal. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues. The focus is on artistic expression and personal narrative, making the content largely apoln
The article discusses a documentary by actress and director Kasia Smutniak, which uses a small video camera once owned by her late husband, Pietro Taricone, to tell a multi-generational story. The camera, originally used to film their travels and personal moments together, was passed down to their daughter Sophie, who took it with her on a solo trip to Mustang, Nepal. The documentary interweaves private footage of Kasia and Pietro’s relationship with the present-day challenges faced by the Mustang community, including depopulation and modernization. The film, which premiered at the Festa di Roma festival, reflects on themes of love, loss, and transformation over 23 years. It highlights Sophie’s journey as she reconnects with her father’s legacy through the camera, while also exploring the cultural preservation efforts Kasia undertook after Pietro’s death.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal and artistic project involving a documentary about a family journey and cultural preservation in Mustang, Nepal. There is no explicit political commentary, framing, or bias detectable in the narrative. The content is primarily biographical and cultural, with no slav
The article discusses four Italian female directors whose films explore themes of memory, loss, love, and desire, showcased at the 21st Rome Film Festival and Alice nella Città. Kasia Smutniak’s documentary 'Mustang' recounts her personal journey after the death of her partner, Pietro Taricone, focusing on their shared experiences in Nepal and Tibet. The film highlights Smutniak’s efforts to build a school in the region and her emotional process of creating the documentary with her daughter, Sophie. It also reflects on the resilience and happiness of the local communities. Another film, 'Idda' by Irene Dionisio, is connected to 'Mustang' through similar themes of loss and the powerful presence of nature.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses on cultural themes related to film and art, discussing the creative processes and personal stories behind the documentaries. There is no political framing or bias evident in the content.
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