Based on La Fantasia di Beba a confession by Lidia Ravviso
Lidia Ravviso continues to re-write the narrative of sex workers in romantic Italian movies from the 70s and 80s with this new erotic short film. Magena Yama plays Beba, an independent and wise woman who consciously taps into the overly simplistic stereotypes about sex workers. She deliberately chooses to imitate these ignorant stereotypes by wearing the symbolic red shoes, the short dress, and by painting her lips a deep shade of red. Through Beba, Ravviso rejects the view that sex workers are always stigmatized or victimized by showing a woman who is working with free agency, due to her own desire and pleasure. Eros Braciola, plays the stereotypical male pimp with the plan of maintaining control of the situation and most likely tricking Beba into sleeping with him for free. Rather than being manipulated by Braciola’s character, Beba knows exactly what she is doing and holds full control over her actions. Beba is sexy, seductive, and a powerful character that displays these characteristics throughout the entirety of the film. Her charisma and dominance shine throughout every part of her steamy sexual encounter with Braciola.
La Fantasia di Beba is both an ode and a satire to Italian erotic movies from the 70s and 80s. Director Lidia Ravviso captured the atmosphere and Italian charm of stories like 'Paprika' by Tinto Brass while challenging the narrative directors like Brass and Co. selected for sex workers during that era. La Fantasia di Beba is not only incredibly smart, it is also beautifully shot. Watching it made me feel the sun on my skin, the ocean breeze of the mediterranean sea on my face and the Italian ice cream on my tongue.
Erika Lust
