When they began migrating to Australia pre-World War II, Italian’s were given plots of land in the harsh outback to call their own. From there, they worked hard to ensure the land would thrive, build their businesses, and their families. Even while they were labelled as a threat by Australians in 1939, they didn’t let this stop them from building the best version of their lives.
“Signorella: Little Miss” explores how Italian women have contributed to the history of Australia, from fashion to politics, food to art, and almost everything in between. With feminism as the core theme, the interviewees are charming, lively women reminiscing on their stories in Australia, and showing a resilience that can only come from having to repeatedly explain to their friends and acquaintances that good food is so much more than just a Sunday roast of potatoes and carrots.
Through the documentary, we are treated to family pictures – some of which are brought to life, and animated to show smiling faces and happy interactions – showing the lives of the young Italians while they tell their stories. Some of these women were not allowed to leave Italy without first being married, and were married by proxy, with their husbands waiting patiently for them in Australia. We are treated to a beautiful story from one interviewee deciding to come to Australia after seeing a picture of her future husband, and creating a beautiful family together.
“… sometimes destiny takes you there whether we believe it or not.”
Some viewers will find it amusing that even then, through well-written letters and years-old photographs, men were catfishing women into marriage. So not many of these proxy weddings were meant to last.
We hear not only from Italian migrants, but also from politicians, activists, magazine editors, chefs, business owners, singers, and more. The women on the screen are inspiring, well spoken, and beautifully dressed. Some chose to speak in Italian, some in English, and some a little of both, but they all share the same passion for their heritage, and their homes.
The focus for the documentary is on how Italian women have been quiet, hard-working building blocks in Australia, but we can’t ignore the stories of how they have been girl-bossing since they found their way to Australia. From keeping their families afloat while the men were taken away to internment camps, to finding themselves smack in the middle of the “man’s world” and refusing to back down, these proud women are an inspiration to everyone.
Through the documentary we are told, and shown, the Italian outlook on life: Anything is possible. And these women prove that.
“Life is most beautiful when it is diverse.” Tina Arena.
To book tickets to Signorinella: Little Miss (Italian Film Festival), please visit https://italianfilmfestival.com.au/films/iff25-signorinella-little-miss.
