Bullying is often portrayed through its immediate consequences, but far less attention is given to what it takes for someone to genuinely change. Our June winner, ‘Empathy Rehearsals‘, approaches the subject from an unexpected angle, using theatre not simply as a backdrop, but as a space where understanding, vulnerability and accountability can begin to emerge. Winner of Film of the Month, Director of the Month, Screenwriter of the Month and Editor of the Month, ‘Empathy Rehearsals’ is a compassionate and quietly powerful story about learning to see the world through someone else’s eyes. We spoke with director Jacopo Cullin about the film’s origins, the challenges of portraying redemption, and why empathy is something we all have to rehearse.
TMFF: Congratulations, Jacopo! Empathy Rehearsals is such a thoughtful and moving film. We loved it here at TMFF. How has the reception been so far?
JC: Thank you very much. Receiving these awards is an incredible honour. The reaction has been deeply emotional. Many viewers have told me they saw themselves in one of the characters, whether as someone who was bullied, someone who remained silent, or even someone who behaved like Tommy. That’s probably the greatest compliment I could receive.
TMFF: What was the initial spark behind the story, and why did you want to explore bullying through the setting of a theatre workshop?
JC: First of all I wanted to create a safe space where people can feel free and safe, no judging. When you step into another character’s shoes, you begin to question your own. Bullying is usually told from the victim’s perspective, but I wanted to explore what happens if we also ask why someone becomes a bully and if change is truly possible.
TMFF: How did you approach writing and directing a character like Tommy who causes harm, while still allowing the audience to understand him?
JC: It was very important not to justify Tommy’s actions. I wanted him to remain responsible for the pain he causes, but I also wanted to show that people are more complicated and you never know their story. Tommy isn’t evil; he’s emotionally illiterate. He has learned that power is the only way to avoid vulnerability. The theatre workshop slowly distroys that wall, forcing him to confront emotions he has spent years hiding.
TMFF: The title Empathy Rehearsals is very evocative. What does empathy mean to you in the context of the film?
JC: For me, empathy is a discipline. Like acting, it requires practice, attention and humility. We rehearse scenes over and over until they become believable. I think empathy works the same way. Every day we have opportunities to listen instead of judging, to understand instead of reacting. That’s why I chose this title. We never stop rehearsing empathy.
TMFF: Theatre becomes almost a mirror for Tommy, forcing him to step outside himself. Do you see performance as a way of discovering truth?
JC: Absolutely. When actors stop trying to appear strong or perfect, something authentic emerges. Theatre allows us to lower our masks by putting on another one. I think that’s why it can be so transformative, especially for teenagers who are still trying to understand who they are.
TMFF: You picked up awards for Director of the Month, Screenwriter of the Month and Editor of the Month, alongside Film of the Month. How closely connected were writing, directing and editing for you on this project?
JC: For me they are very connected. I write while imagining the rhythm of the shooting, I direct thinking about what the final cut should feel like, and I edit looking for the emotional truth. Editing, in particular, is where the film truly finds its voice. It’s where silence, timing and the actors’ smallest expressions become part of the storytelling.
TMFF: What was the biggest challenge while directing the young cast, especially given the emotional sensitivity of the story?
JC: Creating trust. Before asking young actors to portray vulnerability, they need to feel completely safe. We spent a lot of time talking, improvising and building genuine relationships.I wanted them to understand the emotions behind each moment. Their honesty is one of the reasons the film feels so authentic.
TMFF: Is there a particular scene in Empathy Rehearsals that you feel best captures the heart of the film?
JC: The final performance. For me, that’s the emotional climax of the story. I get goosebumps everytime I see it.
TMFF: What would you say is the main takeaway you hope audiences leave with after watching the film?
JC: I hope people leave with a simple question: What if the person in front of me is carrying a pain I cannot see? That doesn’t mean accepting harmful behaviour, but it does mean recognising that empathy can break cycles that punishment alone often cannot. If even one viewer decides to listen before judging, then the film has achieved its purpose.
TMFF: Are there any other projects you are currently working on?
JC: Yes, I’m currently developing a new project focused on teenagers struggling with anxiety, the pressure to constantly perform, and the fear of not being enough in a world shaped by social media. I believe cinema can entertain while also creating spaces for dialogue, and that’s the direction I want to continue pursuing.
TMFF: Thanks so much for your time, Jacopo. It was a pleasure to discover Empathy Rehearsals, and we look forward to seeing what you do next.
JC: Thank you very much!
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