16/10/2025
Film Night Every other Friday Night @ 8PM @ EAE STUDIO
Join us on these Fridays
October 24
November 7
November 21
MONASTIR, a film written and directed by FRANCESCO PAOLO PALADINO
The Story:
A cosmic operator (Edward Ka-Spel) tasked with cleaning the universe stumbles upon the remnants of a mysterious monastery in the skies of Jupiter, once home to a community of cloistered nuns devoted to cosmic solitude. While exploring the abandoned ruins, he discovers the diary of Suona Menfrem (Dorothy Moskowitz), which reveals the secrets of Menfrem's soul (her love for another woman millions of light-years away) and the reason behind the monastery's abandonment. The nuns' mission was to replace traditional propellants with the energy of prayers, but Menfrem describes the mission's failure due to the impurity of their prayers. The absence of human forms in the monastery suggests an extreme act by the nuns, who may have sacrificed themselves to transform into pure energy (prayers). The cosmic operator returns to Earth with Menfrem's manuscript, gaining a new perspective on the universe.
Literary References:
Written and rewritten over three and a half years, "Monastir" is an homage to the art of ANDREI TARKOVSKY. Paladino's poetic script was adapted to fit Dorothy Moskowitz's singing style, with contributions from Luca Chino Ferrari and Edward Ka-Spel. Paladino has previously explored complex themes in sci-fi settings, such as in his 2013 film "Dust To Dust."
Musical References:
The core of MONASTIR was composed by Paladino with Roberto Laneri's help. Later, Paladino collaborated with various artists, applying John Cage's aleatoric concept to the work. The textures of the involved artists were seamlessly integrated into the structure. Initially, "Monastir" was part of an album by UNITED STATES OF ALCHEMY, but Paladino reworked the project, collaborating with Dorothy Moskowitz and Luca Chino Ferrari, resulting in a 50-minute piece.
Paladino reflects on his creative process, saying, "In my work, there's an invisible score made of enthusiasm... This enthusiasm has been transmitted to all the artists who helped me, and I've been moved by their contributions, which exactly matched my vision."
