Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
I recently spoke with Emanuela Galliussi Writer, Director & Producer about 'ZOE', discussing the film’s inspiration, its international scope, the multiple locations and the languages that shape this intimate story of self-discovery. 'ZOE' makes its New York Premiere at Dances With Films: New York on Friday, January 16, 2026.
At the center of the film is Zoe (Galliussi), an Italian woman who appears to have everything she is supposed to want yet feels profoundly unfulfilled. During Mardi Gras, a mysterious child dressed as a wizard offers her three chances to discover what she truly yearns for. If she fails, she will be bound to him forever. What follows is a transformative journey that carries Zoe through Ibiza, London and Paris, where she inhabits different versions of herself, explores contrasting lifestyles and encounters lovers who reflect possibilities rather than solutions. While she does not return home with the answer she initially sought, she comes to understand that she has gained something far more meaningful along the way.
Through its shifting settings and multilingual storytelling, 'ZOE' captures the emotional dislocation of searching for identity across cultures and relationships. Each city becomes a mirror for a different phase of Zoe’s inner life, allowing the film to explore how environment, language and intimacy shape who we believe ourselves to be.
Galliussi was born in Udine, Italy and has built an extensive career as an actress in film, television and theatre. After moving to the United States, she co-founded the production company Falling Up Films with Dean Ronalds. Under that banner, they produced the feature film 'Fourplay' starring Tammy Blanchard, Dominic Fumusa, Emanuela Galliussi and Bryan Greenberg as well as, 'The View from Up Here' starring Oscar winner Melissa Leo and César winner Leila Bekhti, while developing additional projects. 'ZOE' marks her feature film debut as a director and represents a deeply personal step forward in her creative journey.
'ZOE' screens on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Regal Union Station at 2:25 p.m.
To purchase tickets for 'ZOE' visit: danceswithfilms.com/zoe-movie/.
#selfdescovery #danceswithfilms #dwfny #interview #internationalfilm #premiere #interview #fanboynation
I recently spoke with Emanuela Galliussi Writer, Director & Producer about 'ZOE', discussing the film’s inspiration, its international scope, the multiple locations and the languages that shape this intimate story of self-discovery. 'ZOE' makes its New York Premiere at Dances With Films: New York on Friday, January 16, 2026.
At the center of the film is Zoe (Galliussi), an Italian woman who appears to have everything she is supposed to want yet feels profoundly unfulfilled. During Mardi Gras, a mysterious child dressed as a wizard offers her three chances to discover what she truly yearns for. If she fails, she will be bound to him forever. What follows is a transformative journey that carries Zoe through Ibiza, London and Paris, where she inhabits different versions of herself, explores contrasting lifestyles and encounters lovers who reflect possibilities rather than solutions. While she does not return home with the answer she initially sought, she comes to understand that she has gained something far more meaningful along the way.
Through its shifting settings and multilingual storytelling, 'ZOE' captures the emotional dislocation of searching for identity across cultures and relationships. Each city becomes a mirror for a different phase of Zoe’s inner life, allowing the film to explore how environment, language and intimacy shape who we believe ourselves to be.
Galliussi was born in Udine, Italy and has built an extensive career as an actress in film, television and theatre. After moving to the United States, she co-founded the production company Falling Up Films with Dean Ronalds. Under that banner, they produced the feature film 'Fourplay' starring Tammy Blanchard, Dominic Fumusa, Emanuela Galliussi and Bryan Greenberg as well as, 'The View from Up Here' starring Oscar winner Melissa Leo and César winner Leila Bekhti, while developing additional projects. 'ZOE' marks her feature film debut as a director and represents a deeply personal step forward in her creative journey.
'ZOE' screens on Friday, January 16, 2026 at Regal Union Station at 2:25 p.m.
To purchase tickets for 'ZOE' visit: danceswithfilms.com/zoe-movie/.
#selfdescovery #danceswithfilms #dwfny #interview #internationalfilm #premiere #interview #fanboynation
