09/10/2013 - The documentary by Silvio Soldini and Giorgio Garini is being screened in a number of Italian cinemas today as a special event to mark World Sight Day

“A centimetre can mark an infinite amount of space if you cannot see,” one of the characters tells us in Silvio Soldini and Giorgio Garini’s documentary Per altri occhi, which subtitle says it follows the “adventures of a blind manipulator.” The film will be screened in various Italian cinemas today to mark the World Sight Day, celebrated on October 10.

Enrico, a physiotherapist, student and musician Gemma, sculptor Felice, Piero, Michela, Loredana and the others have only one thing in common: they are blind. Together, they play sport and get involved in a number of activities you would never imagine blind people would. Sailing, baseball, archery, skiing. They also share a strong will and a love for life, a desire to overcome life’s obstacles – an extraordinary example for those who live with disabilities.

“Making a film is a passport to enter into a new world, which makes you a richer human being,” Soldini explained during the film’s presentation. “And when my physiotherapist, Enrico Sosio, told me about his rich life, I wanted to enter that world, which is also our own.” A long period of research ensued with Garini to select people to take part in the film, all the while avoiding blind clichés.

“I thought I was perfectly integrated when my phone was stolen as I was calling a taxi,” Michela Marcato joked. “Our lives are hard and difficult, but we have launched a challenge which we fight every day. And we like what we do,” Giovanni Bosio who is an entrepreneur said.

Produced by Lumière & Co with Ventura Film and RSI – the Swiss radio and television network - Per altri occhi will be accompanied by an event broadcast directly from Milan’s Anteo location, which will include participation from both directors, together with Gianna Nannini and Giovanni Soldini.