A journey that began in Arusha, which today speaks to the heart of Abruzzo through the universal language of solidarity.
Francavilla al Mare (CH), June 8, 2025 – A homecoming filled with emotion, pride, and collective memory. The documentary film "Safara", produced by TakeMeBack – Corrieri Solidali, made its national debut atthe Adriatic Film Festival in Francavilla al Mare, at the Sirena Auditorium in Palazzo Sirena, receiving a warm and touching welcome from the Abruzzo audience. A special event, in a land that was the cradle and driving force behind this extraordinary journey of travel and solidarity.
It all began in Tanzania, when Fabio Talucci, on his honeymoon, visited a small school on the outskirts of Arusha. It was there that something profound happened: a silent promise, a seed planted. Back in Italy, Fabio decided to contact TakeMeBack, the Abruzzo-based organization founded by Antonio Di Leonardo and Andrea Mariani, which has been connecting travelers and vulnerable communities for years through the missions of the Corrieri Solidali(Solidarity Couriers).
That call marked the beginning of a new adventure. A journey that is not only physical, but deeply human: a return to Tanzania with TakeMeBack to keep that promise, to deliver school supplies, build relationships, listen to stories, and sow the seeds of the future. All captured by the visual sensitivity of director Paolo Calcagni, who creates a direct, emotional, and deeply authentic narrative. Accompanying the viewer is the intense and vibrant voice of Roberto Pedicini, one of Italy's most renowned voice actors, who provided the voice-over for the film.
"Bringing Safara to Abruzzo for its national premiere is not only a moment of pride for us," explains Antonio Di Leonardo. "Abruzzo is our home, the place where it all began. Sharing our mission here is like coming full circle."
A circle that opens with curiosity, fills with obstacles, hugs, miles, and closes with a film that moves, inspires, and leaves a mark. The Francavilla audience responded with long applause, but above all with attentive silence: the authentic beauty of Safara lies in its truth.
The film—already honored at the Muses Film Awards and winner of four nominations and two awards at the Levadia Film Festival in Greece—tells the story of a new way of traveling, capable of transforming every stop into an act of solidarity. "Solidarity is not an isolated action, but a fluid that crosses borders, territories, and people," explains Andrea Mariani. And so, Safara is not just a place. It is a symbol. Of what can be built when Abruzzo opens up to the world, when local stories meet global destinies. And it is also a powerful reminder to not standing still.
With TakeMeBack, every journey becomes a bridge between distant worlds. And Safara, today, is the living story of all this. Told in our own way: with the truth of our steps, the power of images, and the courage of people.
Now in its eighth edition, theAdriatic Film Festival took place from June 3 to 8, 2025, hosting national and international productions, including short films, documentaries, and animated works, before a jury of industry professionals. Safara was presented out of competitionin the Spazio Abruzzo section, confirming the cultural and social value of a project that was born and raised in the heart of the region. Thanks go to the entire festival organization and to the director, Guido Casale.