This event will entail the showing of II Moro: short film longlisted for the Academy Awards, on the true story of Alessandro de’ Medici, the illegitimate son of an enslaved African woman and Pope Clement VII, who rises to become the head of the powerful Medici dynasty. After the screening of this acclaimed short film, join an exclusive Q&A with director Daphne Di Cinto, who brought this untold story to life. Hear how she uncovered the real Alessandro de’ Medici, discover why his story still matters today, and discuss how this erased history resonates with the struggles we face now.

Event held in Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center 230/231. Free and open to the public.

The illegitimate son of an enslaved African woman and Pope Clement VII rises to become the head of the powerful Medici dynasty. But stepping into that role doesn’t mean his family will accept him—or that history will remember him. Duke Alessandro de’ Medici belongs to one of the most well-known Italian aristocratic historical families, yet his role, influence and heritage have been cast in a corner and willingly forgotten both by his successors and by history, making him a Black European Duke who may sound fictional, but is very much real. In an age where historical memory is paramount, Il Moro – The Moor isn’t just a visually stunning film: it’s a vital reappropriation of history and a celebration of the diversity within it.  While unveiling a true story from the past, Il Moro – The Moor invites us to question the narratives we’ve been taught and encourages us to embrace a wider perspective, widening our understanding of the past and at the same time creating a more equitable future.  TRAILER: CLICK HERE 

After the screening of this acclaimed short film, join an exclusive Q&A with director Daphne Di Cinto, who brought this untold story to life. Hear how she uncovered the real Alessandro de’ Medici, discover why his story still matters today, and discuss how this erased history resonates with the struggles we face now.

Daphne Di Cinto is a Black Italian screenwriter, director, actor, and producer. As a screenwriter, she has developed both features and series within various genres, from comedy to sci-fi, with a keen interest in topics such as historical memory, identity, migrations, and the female gaze. While developing a TV show based on the life of Alessandro de’ Medici, Daphne has written, directed, and produced the short film Il Moro-The Moor, her directorial debut, which has garnered success both in the festival circuit and in prestigious academic institutions, winning among others the Oscar Qualifying Reel Sisters Film Festival in New York. Daphne received the Cultured Focus Visionary in Film Award during the 79th Venice Film Festival and the Leader of Change in Creativity Award at the 2023 Black Carpet Awards. As an actress, she has played the Duchess of Hasting in the Netflix series Bridgerton.