“Willy – Different is Good” Premieres on August 31
The 3D short film “Willy – Different is Good” will make its debut on August 31st at the Venice Film Festival. This animation, produced by around seventy students from Side Academy of Verona, addresses the grave issues of racial bullying and crime. It recounts the tragic story of Willy Monteiro Duarte. Willy was killed in 2020 in a violent, racially motivated attack in Colleferro, Rome.
The Story Behind the Short Film
Willy Monteiro Duarte, a 21-year-old cook, tragically lost his life on September 6, 2020. He was defending a friend from bullies when he was killed. Willy, originally from Cape Verde, became a victim of a racist attack that shocked Italy. The brutality of the crime deeply impacted public opinion. President Sergio Mattarella posthumously awarded Willy the Gold Medal for Civil Valor.”
“Students at Side Academy, under Stefano Siganakis, have used their skills and cutting-edge technology to bring Willy’s story to life. Their 3D animated short film features a small alien character facing bullying and violence. This character symbolizes Willy’s real-life experiences. Through this narrative, the film emphasizes that we should celebrate diversity, not condemn it.
Innovative Techniques and Technology
Creating ‘Willy – Different is Good’ was a significant challenge. It required over 100,000 hours of work spread across three years. The film, which lasts just five and a half minutes, used Unreal Engine by Epic Games. This software is well-known in the gaming industry for popular titles like Fortnite and Cyberpunk 2077. The innovative approach helped Side Academy students produce a visually stunning and emotionally impactful film that resonates with audiences
“We used video game technology to create a parallel universe with a small alien. This short film is a way to explain that diversity is a value and that the differences between us can lead to societal progress rather than conflict.”
Stefano Siganakis, the CEO of Side Academy
The Cultural Impact and Recognition
The film’s debut at the Venice Film Festival, one of the most prestigious film events in the world, is a testament to the quality and significance of the project. The event will also feature the award ceremony for the “Golden Dragons,” an accolade given to the best students at Side Academy. The ceremony will take place at the iconic Hotel Excelsior, a venue known for hosting Hollywood stars and major industry events.
Willy’s sister, Milena Monteiro, has been invited as a guest of honor, further emphasizing the deep emotional and cultural connections tied to the film. The project has already garnered media attention for its cultural, aesthetic, and technological achievements. Side Academy is expanding rapidly, with plans to increase its enrollment and international presence in the coming years.
The Ongoing Need for Awareness
“Willy – Different is Good” serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing issues of bullying and racial crime. Through the creative medium of 3D animation, Side Academy has not only paid tribute to Willy Monteiro Duarte’s legacy but also highlighted the importance of addressing these societal problems. This film is a powerful tool for raising awareness and sparking conversations about diversity, acceptance, and the need for continuous vigilance against hate and violence.
To learn more about Side Academy and its groundbreaking work in 3D animation, visit www.sideacademy.com.
