Friends for Life

Rome is the bustling stage for a coming-of-age drama centered on two teenagers. The film unfolds in a lively urban setting, including a classroom, a villa on the Via Appia and the city’s parks where friendships form. The city provides public spaces for the boys to grow and private spaces where secrets are kept. Its atmosphere blends historic landmarks with everyday Italian life, mirroring the characters' journeys.

🤝 Friendship

Two boys start as rivals, Mario's confidence clashes with Franco's reserve. As they share confidences, they build a deep friendship that changes both their lives. The friendship is tested when secrets loom and loyalties shift during a cross-country race. The film emphasizes how trust and companionship can create stability.

🗝️ Secrets & Identity

Franco keeps a hidden love interest and a fragile inner world, revealed only to his friend. His mother's death and the villa where he lives become catalysts for vulnerability. Mario's willingness to listen tests his own loyalties and ultimately deepens their bond. The theme explores the costs and courage of admitting truth.

🏠 Family & Home

Franco seeks stability by moving into Mario's family, intertwining the two households. The villa and the family home become spaces of memory, belonging, and protection. The different parental roles—Mario's entrepreneur father and Franco's diplomat father—shape how each boy sees the world. The story suggests that a chosen family can provide what bloodlines may not.

🏃‍♂️ Competition

Both boys compete in the national cross-country championships, culminating in a tense final. The race exposes pride, jealousy, and the costs of secrecy. Franco's victory creates friction with Mario, who tries to shield his friend yet ends up revealing a secret. The sporting backdrop acts as a catalyst for personal growth and the evolution of their friendship.