Ambrosia
Most Viewed of the Year • Documentary, LGBT, Short Films, 30-Jun-2020
Vincenzo D’Ambrosio aka “Ambrosia” trades the fluorescent lights of his family’s tobacco shop in Naples for the spotlights of "La Boum" - Milan's premiere drag revue. Peter Spark directs “Ambrosia,” a moving documentary portrait toggling between spirited performances and personal reflection — D’Ambrosio is compelling onstage, but perhaps even more so offstage, as he ruminates on his life path, his family, his future. It unfolds into a rich exploration of a young life, set in motion by the realization that as a boy, Vincenzo was attracted to other boys and loved being seen by them. Years later, as he comes fully into his body and sensuality, he heads to Milan and (sort of by accident) becomes a popular drag persona. All the while, he maintains a presence with his traditional Italian family and hometown, and spends time with his much younger brother, himself around the age D’Ambrosio was when he describes his first sexual awakening. Spark finds a nice balance of the extravagant and the subdued, allowing for opposing sides of personality to co-exist, full of passions and doubts. -KA. Director, Cinematographer, and Editor: Peter Spark. Colorist: Marcy Robinson. Post Sound Mix: Brian Beatrice. Cast: Vincenzo D'Ambrosio.
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