Gabriella Maria Romano is an Italian-born film director and screenwriter. She has directed and written several feature films, including the critically acclaimed "Il Convento" (The Convent) and "Dov'è la felicità?" (Where is Happiness?). She has also written and directed a number of short films, documentaries, and television series.
Born in Rome in 1977, Gabriella began her film career in 2001, after graduating from Rome's Sapienza University with a degree in Media Studies. She started out as an assistant director on a number of short films and documentaries, and quickly developed a passion for telling stories through film.
In 2005, she directed her first feature film, "Il Convento", which was well received by critics and audiences alike. The film follows the story of a young woman who is sent to a convent in rural Italy, and her struggles to adjust to the new environment. The film was praised for its sensitive handling of themes such as religion, family, and identity.
In 2010, Gabriella wrote and directed her second feature film, "Dov'è la felicità?" The film tells the story of a young girl who moves to Italy with her family and attempts to find happiness in her new surroundings. The film was praised for its unique visual style and its nuanced examination of the themes of identity and belonging.
Gabriella has since directed and written several other feature films, including "Una storia semplice" (A Simple Story), "Cuori ribelli" (Rebel Hearts), and "La fuggitiva" (The Fugitive). Her films often explore themes of identity, family, and belonging, and they often feature strong female protagonists.
Gabriella is also a passionate advocate for gender equality in the film industry. She is an active member of the Italian Association of Women Film Directors and Producers, and she has spoken out about the need for more female directors in the industry.
Gabriella's films have been shown at film festivals around the world, and she has won several awards for her work. She is a passionate storyteller who uses her films to explore themes of identity, family, and belonging. Her work is a testament to the power of cinema to tell stories that matter.
