Oscar-Qualified Short DIVE: A Melancholic Exploration of Adolescent Love in a World beset with Violence

Ladies and gentlemen, the short film DIVE is a melancholic exploration of adolescent love in a world beset with violence. The drama follows Roman and Julia, two young adults enjoying the vitality of their youth, when their day out on the beach is suddenly shattered by the looming presence of war.

The very minimum use of dialogue allows you to experience the film on a deeper level into you subconscious to relive your long lost youth. We can see how youth is fleeting, from a moment of love, joy, freedom and a bit a living in a dream. And all of shattered with the strong introduction of war, an element of life that we can’t control.

War steals adolescent, youth, hope and dreams. In this poignant film called DIVE it leaves us wanting relive our own youth.

The cinematography is beautiful and the use of real film gives it depth, just like the souls of Roman and Julia, even before they dive into the ocean.

The soundtrack adds so much emotion. As Roman and Julia dive Into the water, the music brings them together in an aquatic dance that is beautiful and free, exactly what love should be. Being under the water and away from the realities of life is a feeling we need to experience more and Aldo Luliano gives us that feeling in this compelling film.

Director Aldo Iuliano and he is known for his award-winning short films, both in Italy and internationally. In 2016, he directed Penalty, which was shortlisted for the Nastri d'Argento, selected for four Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the 2017 Globo d'Oro. His debut feature film, Space Monkeys, was released in theaters in 2022.

His newest soulful short film DIVE premiered at the 80th Venice Film Festival, where it was in official competition, the drama was further selected for other Oscar-qualifying festivals, and won the Special Award at the 2024 Nastri d'Argento. The film has qualified for the 2025 Oscars.

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