THECinema sometimes saves lives. To prove it is Glory Kevin, 25 year old Nigerian, arrived in Italy 6 years ago, looking for a better future. Waiting for her, however, is work on the road. But on the Roman coast she met director Robert De Paolis who chose her as the protagonist of the film “Princess”presented at the Venice Film Festival and, from November 17, in theaters with Lucky Red.
The drama of the trafficking of Nigerian women
«Initially I hesitated: I didn’t know what the film was about, nor why I had been chosen. Then, comparing myself with Roberto, I understood that it offered me the opportunity to embody and embody the stories of other young Nigerian women, like myself, victims of traffickingshowing the world what we live on our skin» says Glory.
Princessindeed, it is a young Nigerian prostitute who sells her body on the edge of a big city. To survive he must smell the money, dodge dangers and feelings, one customer after another, without interruption.
The dream of a better life
«Unfortunately, some people still think that African girls like to leave their country to come to Italy and work on the street, earn some money and maybe enjoy life. Instead they should understand that we are here for our future, to look for something we never had, to build a better life» is keen to underline the non-professional actress who never stop thanking God for the occasion given to her.
The link with faith
His bond with faith, in fact, is indissoluble: «initially there were many of us – he recalls – we practiced with the lines of the film, until they told me that the role of the protagonist was mine. In that moment I rolled my eyes at the one who was really changing my life».
The world of prostitution without prejudice
Proving that change is possible is the goal of director De Paolis who has decided to tell the world of prostitution without clichés and prejudices, keeping a distance from the usually pietistic representation of immigration, clandestinity and prostitution.
«Roberto also involved me in writing the screenplay. I told him about my experiences and he built the film by merging his point of view with anecdotes from my life on the road» he adds.
The opportunity to play herself
Thus Glory had the opportunity to play herself and, together with the director and the cast of Nigerian girls, directs a message of encouragement to all those who are still forced into prostitution.
“Never lose hope, in the same way God changed my story, your existence too can take another direction,” he repeats.
Glory Kevin with Lino Musella in a scene from the film
For Glory and her baby, the best is yet to come
Meanwhile became mother of a beautiful little girlto which he hopes to be able to ensure the same serenity that he is experiencing in this period.
«I don’t know what life will hold for us, maybe I will continue my career as an actress, but one thing is certain: Thanks to this film I learned many things that I didn’t know, or that I didn’t know how to do: in particular, for example, read correctly in Italian, thanks to rehearsals and script readings. In addition to telling me. I am convinced that the best is yet to come» he says.
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