Debora Scalzo Brings Paolo Vive to Los Angeles: A Powerful Tribute to Judge Paolo Borsellino

The Italian Anti-Mafia Filmmaker’s Docufilm Makes Its American Debut in March, Promising a Stirring and Emotional Experience.

Debora Scalzo, the renowned Italian filmmaker and anti-mafia advocate, is set to make waves in Hollywood this March as she brings her critically acclaimed docufilm Paolo Vive to Los Angeles. The film, a poignant tribute to the legacy of Judge Paolo Borsellino, who was assassinated in 1992 for his relentless fight against organized crime, has already garnered significant praise in Italy and Europe. Now, Scalzo is ready to showcase her work to an American audience, marking her highly anticipated debut in the U.S.

Paolo Vive is not just a film; it is a cinematic masterpiece that delves deep into the life and sacrifices of one of Italy’s most revered anti-mafia figures. Through a gripping narrative and heart-wrenching visuals, Scalzo sheds light on Borsellino’s courage and the enduring impact of his fight for justice. The docufilm is expected to resonate deeply with audiences, offering both an educational and emotional experience.

Scalzo’s arrival in Los Angeles is already creating a buzz among Hollywood insiders. The screening is expected to draw a star-studded crowd, with many celebrities and influential figures eager to support a film that addresses such a vital and universal theme. Scalzo, known for her fearless storytelling and commitment to truth, promises to deliver a film that is as thought-provoking as it is inspiring.

“I am honored to bring Paolo Vive to America, a country that values freedom and justice. This is not just an Italian story; it is a global call to fight for what is right,” Scalzo shared in a recent interview.

The Los Angeles premiere of Paolo Vive is more than just an event; it is a celebration of courage, resilience, and the unyielding pursuit of justice. Fans of meaningful cinema and supporters of anti-mafia efforts won’t want to miss this groundbreaking debut.

Stay tuned to Celebrity Los Angeles Magazine for exclusive coverage of Debora Scalzo’s arrival and the premiere of Paolo Vive. This promises to be one of the most talked-about cultural events of the year, cementing Scalzo’s place as a filmmaker of international importance.

Exclusive Interview With Debora Scalzo

What inspired you to bring Judge Paolo Borsellino’s story to life?

I was inspired by my beautiful but unfortunate land, Sicily. I was inspired by my great policeman grandfather who in the bloodiest years of organized crime in Sicily escorted magistrates who fought against the Mafia like Judge Cesare Terranova. I wanted to make a film project dedicated to a great man who made the history of our country in order to be able to spread messages of legality education among young people. To be able to leave an important testimony not only as a professional and director, but also as a mother.

How did you ensure authenticity in Bruno Torrisi portrayal of Borsellino?

Bruno studied the character a lot by viewing videos, photos and reading many biographies told by family members. He played Judge Paolo Borsellino in an extraordinary way. Moreover, he acted without speaking, but only with images, movements and looks. Later we recorded the Voice over part and I must say that everything fitted together perfectly. Bruno besides being an extraordinary person is a crazy actor, among the best in Italian cinema. I am honored to have made my directorial debut alongside him and to have directed him, a dream come true.

How does the film balance tragedy with a message of hope?

Telling the truth for the first time on film with Bruno becoming Paolo and telling young people about himself as he comes back to life from Via d’Amelio, the same place where he died. Coming back to life after more than 30 years and walking around his beloved Palermo, he tells the young people in a direct way, he tells the magistrate and the man, the man who suffered and could not even experience the birth of his grandchildren. And then the docu part, very strong and raw, in which family members of Mafia victims tell what the Mafia is, how they found the bodies of their loved ones and all the consequences of the Massacres, the loneliness and being left alone by a State that should have protected and safeguarded them.

Why was a bilingual approach important for this story?

It is important to spread the message of legality to young people all over the world. But above all, to make it clear that the real Sicily is that of Paolo Borsellino, because Paolo lives through the eyes of all honest Sicilians.

How do you think Paolo Lives resonates with global audiences, especially in Los Angeles?

You Americans have loved the story of Paolo Vive from the first moment. You were the first to review it as a powerful tribute to a great Italian figure who fought the Mafia. I am sure that in Los Angeles the American public and the Italian American community will be attentive and warm. There will be an important screening in collaboration with the Farnesina and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. America is in my heart, I will never stop thanking you for the deep esteem.

What do you hope younger generations take away from the film?

I hope “Paolo Vive” can make all those people who stay silent, who do not stand up to the Mafia, think. I hope that young people will get closer and closer to legality. It is important to study, understand and know: three watchwords that are needed to start a process of social change. Paolo Borsellino left a great legacy, the courage to walk tall, his great dedication, the ability to say no and to fight for what one believes in. Above all, he taught us that even the most difficult enemy can be defeated. Life is precious.

How has this project personally impacted you as a filmmaker?

With Paolo Vive, I have grown as a woman and as a professional. I believe that my spontaneity, my sunny disposition and my desire to do, to always have my say, to go against a colluded and false system, is an added value to the person I am. And if I am this I owe it only to Paolo Vive. A few days ago I was in Sicily for work and I was told that in today’s society you have to “Adapt,” my response was that I love to stand out from the crowd, only those who do not want to change society adapt to it, I in my small way I hope to succeed. I can assure you that “Paolo Vive” has changed me profoundly. And I would add that it made me realize who I want to be when I grow up, a filmmaker who is involved in quality cinema, the cinema of legality.

He will soon be on the set in Sicily of his new film “Oltre la divisa”.

The set of “Oltre la divisa” will open in Catania in November 2025. A major film, with an important cast, that deals with five stories of as many men and women in uniform, loosely inspired by real events. There will be the story of a mafia victim, that of a policeman and a financier, that of a woman soldier and a general of the Carabinieri, all the stories will be united by a single tragic and invisible thread. The film is a denunciation of the bad apples in uniform, but also a great tribute to those who wear the uniform with honesty and respect. Because honesty and respect in life are the basis of everything. The film will be produced by Desca Production, Team41 House Production, Underground Multimedia Production and Underground Distribution, in collaboration Sicily Film Commission and Catania Film Commission. There will be foreign co-productions such as Switzerland and Brazil, and the extraordinary participation of a great American actor. It will be released in theaters in 2026.

You are a woman with an important career, often traveling for work. How do you manage your life as a mom and as a woman?

I handle it without feeling guilty, because the time I spend with my son is quality time, Samuele is proud of me, and I am proud of him. When a woman chooses to do important work, she should undertake it with joy and at peace with herself. I have done so. As a woman I can tell you that it is currently my period of personal solitude, in which I have chosen to devote myself exclusively to my work and my son. Everything I do I do for him, for his future. This is enough for me.

In New York you will soon be shooting a dramatic shortmovie. What can you tell us about it?

In October 2025 we will be shooting together with Alessio Di Venere the short film “I Don’t Like Mirrors.” A dramatic short film that deals with the theme of adolescent depression and how it affects the growing up and formative years. A project co-written with Alessio and produced by Desca Production and Team41 House Production.
This will be another great professional achievement, as we will be presenting the short film at major international film festival.