A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR
A MOSQUITO IN THE EAR
SBIFF 2026
Interview with Director: Nicola Rinciari.
Meet maverick director Nicola Rinciari as he takes you in the journey into the heart of India where Andrew and Daniela attempt to retrieve their adopted four-year-old daughter from an orphanage she doesn’t want to leave. Inspired by true events, Nicola, in his own words: “my goal was to create a film from the “inside”; one that sheds light on the often-untold stories of adoptive parents and their journey toward forming a family with their children”. This is a beautifully shot movie with a rich texture and a complex soul. It won’t leave you unmoved as you will feel the struggle of the protagonists to build this new family. ‘A Mosquito in the ear’ opened the Santa Barbara International film festival and I can tell you I saw many wet eyes by the end of the screening, including mine. What a splendid film this is; it is a rare jewel of humanity and a true inspiring endeavor. Nicola Rinciari has a secured successful career in front of him. We will be watching!
On the eve of the Opening of SBIFF I was lucky to catch up with Nicola Rinciari to find out more about his film:
Q: What was the inspiration and the motivation with this film?
Nicola: First, I want to say we are so honored to be able to open the Santa Barbara International film festival. Initially I discovered this story which was a graphic novel in 2021. It’s about the own true life of writer Andrea Ferrari. When I read it, I felt it needed to become a movie. It’s so honest and authentic. It’s about the difficulties of bridging two cultures in the context of these parents adopting a little Indian girl. I hope I gave a great light to this very moving story.
Q: What are the themes explored in this film, what is it truly about?
Nicola: It’s really about the encounter of two cultures. It’s about these people coming together and trying to form a family. What does it take to make it work, to create a loving relationship. How much do they have to know about each other, to accept about each other. I came here from Sicily to the U.S when I was 18 to study. My whole family is still in Italy. So, I went myself through this thought process I just explained about what it takes to form a new friendship, a new family.
Q: Every movie you make you go through a personal transformation. In what ways do you see yourself changed by this movie?
Nicola: Well, first, I learned so much about adoption. It’s always a gift when you make a film like this one and you do your research. In this case through various adoption agencies. For me making this film was about reflecting about my own experience. This was my first feature, so it was a big change from making shorts. Also, I had to understand the perspective of each protagonist, whether it was from the little girl not wanting to leave the orphanage or the point of the parents wanting to bring with them this little girl. Finally, I have an American partner from Virginia and so, at times, I may misjudge her or vice versa. It’s therefore an introspective exploration.
Q: Did making this film also change your views about adoption?
Nicola: I don’t think I’m quite for that. Adopting is a beautiful journey, and I can be opened to the idea. It’s a charge experience for sure.
Q: What is your takeaway of your film, what are your hopes with it?
Nicola: I hope it shows that people from different cultures can come together and create a cross-cultural dialogue. I hope the audience will enjoy my movie and I can’t wait to see how they react to it; this is the special part for me. I really hope people will feel inspired and full of love.
By: Emmanuel ITIER
