“Showtime” is an Italian short film that combines family drama and sport, with basketball as its connecting thread. Directed and written by Francesco Giardiello, the film tells the story of Mattia, a young basketball talent driven by the dream of playing the championship final in front of his father, who is increasingly absent and absorbed in work. When yet another promise to attend is broken, Mattia decides to do everything he can to create an opportunity for his father to see him play.
The film explores commitment, determination and the need for recognition, highlighting how sport becomes a tool for communication and reconciliation between generations. Through its realistic setting and the participation of athletes and authentic contexts connected to Turin basketball, “Showtime” conveys the passion and discipline inherent in the sport, presenting it as a metaphor for personal growth.
The production is by Davide Mogna and NEWGEN ENTERTAINMENT, in collaboration with Zootropio Entertainment, Cargo Buscompany and Basket Torino. The project received support from the Film Commission Torino Piemonte – Short Film Fund and funding from Bene Banca Credito Cooperativo di Bene Vagienna S.C., with the patronage of the City of Turin. The short film is not a student project and is not the director's debut.
The completion date is 4 August 2025, with a premiere planned in Italy.
Film Details
Title: Showtime
Original title: Showtime
Director: Francesco Giardiello
Production: Davide Mogna, NEWGEN ENTERTAINMENT, in collaboration with Zootropio Entertainment, Cargo Buscompany, Basket Torino; with support from Film Commission Torino Piemonte – Short Film Fund and Bene Banca Credito Cooperativo di Bene Vagienna S.C.; with the patronage of the City of Turin; with funding from the Ministry of Culture
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Running time: 19 minutes
Genre: Drama, Sports
Sport featured: Basketball
Protagonists: Enrico Bassetti, Ettore Belmondo, Toni Mazzara
Completion date: 4 August 2025
Premiere: Italy, 2025
Distributor: [Not specified]
Shooting format: Digital, 2.39:1, colour
Director's first film: No
Student project: No