From Rome to the American Film Institute: How Sofia Mezzini’s Filmmaking Journey Took Flight at So Fare Films
- Vanessa Cosmo
- Jul 16
- 6 min read
Sofia’s time at So Fare Films became a cornerstone in her creative and professional development. Through our Emerging Creator's Network (ECN), she joined a collaborative community designed to equip emerging storytellers with the technical skills, industry exposure, and mentorship necessary to launch a serious film career. She quickly became a key contributor across multiple SFF projects, serving as Post-Production Assistant on Minding Shadows, Second Assistant Director on Ikhaya, Director of Photography and Editor on Ramona Romana, and Content Creator for our educational series on film equipment. Her behind-the-scenes leadership and editorial eye made a lasting impression.
Sofia’s story is a testament to the spirit of So Fare Films and the Emerging Creators Network: when promising young filmmakers are given real-world responsibility, mentorship, and community, they don’t just learn—they thrive.
Before heading to LA, Sofia took time to reflect on her experience at So Fare Films and the impact it had on her growth as a filmmaker.
How has your experience at So Fare Films developed your skills in filmmaking? What was your experience like and how has it prepared you to pursue your future?
Sofia: At So Fare Films, I had the opportunity to gain real, hands-on experience in the industry. I learned how a production company operates and grows, and I took on meaningful roles across different projects, both creatively and organizationally. It taught me the value of teamwork and how to give and receive feedback. I also realized just how many responsibilities a producer has and discovered that I genuinely enjoy that side of filmmaking. It was a foundational experience, and I’m grateful for how much it prepared me for what’s next.
What inspired you to become a filmmaker?
Sofia: I can’t point to a specific event, moment, or person that sparked my passion for filmmaking. It’s always been a part of me and gradually surfaced through the experiences I had. What I can say is that filmmaking became the natural convergence of many passions: acting, photography, storytelling, and, of course, watching films. It all just came together.
Which films or directors have influenced you the most?
Sofia: I’m not the kind of viewer who watches every film by a single director or follows a complete filmography. That said, there are directors I admire, like Steven Spielberg, James Cameron, Robert Zemeckis, and Alfred Hitchcock, especially for specific films. The movies that shaped me are the ones I never get tired of rewatching: films that entertain, comfort, and inspire me. Most of them are classics or epic genre films.
I heard you just screened your capstone, what is it about and what do you want to fulfill with it?
Sofia: My capstone, Ad Maiora, is a short film exploring themes of ambition, talent, and obsession within the context of power dynamics, inspired by the lives of legendary architects. It involved a great deal of research, particularly on the history of architecture in Rome. My goal is to one day adapt it into a feature-length film.
Did you always want to be behind the camera or did you ever consider pursuing something else? Such as acting, set design, or editing?
Sofia: My journey into film actually began with a love for theater acting. I was fascinated by the idea of living hundreds of different lives, until I realized that I could not only interpret those lives, but also write and direct them. From there, I explored other aspects of filmmaking, from sound to camera to editing. But what I love most is taking an idea and shaping it into a complete story.
For you, what is the most exciting aspect of filmmaking?
Sofia: What will always excite me about filmmaking is the chance to travel, explore, and immerse myself in a new world with every project. You don’t just tell the story, you live it. And as a writer, producer, or director, you have the rare privilege of choosing which stories to live.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years as a filmmaker?
Sofia: In five years, I will have completed my studies and will be working full-time in the industry. My goal is to have produced and directed my first feature by then - and hopefully to have more in development!
Are there any topics of genres you would like to explore in the future?
Sofia: I’d love to experiment with all genres at some point, but right now I’m particularly drawn to crime, legal drama, and action. I’m also passionate about historical and sci-fi stories, but I’ll dive into those more as I grow and when the budgets align!
What is your main goal in the film industry?
Sofia: My goal is to make the kind of movies I — and the people around me — would love to watch in a theater: stories that entertain, but also leave you with something to think about. I aspire to write, direct, and produce.
I heard you are about to go to a film program in Los Angeles. Tell me about this next step in your career and how you might envision it.
Sofia: Yes! I was accepted into the Producing program at the American Film Institute Conservatory. It’s a big step that will teach me how to produce for film and television alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. I know it will be a challenging program, but I have strong faith in where it will lead.
Sofia’s journey is only just beginning—but already, she embodies what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. She came into the Emerging Creators Network with a love of movies and a calling toward filmmaking, but no formal skills—not even a basic understanding of how a camera lens worked. What she did have was passion, openness, and drive. And in just two years, she bloomed into the most skilled and respected member of her ECN cohort, building a strong creative portfolio and a crystal-clear path toward a professional film career.
Through her work on Ikhaya, Ramona Romana, Minding Shadows, and Women in Progress, Sofia didn’t just support our films—she helped shape them. She stepped into key creative and production roles with vision, discipline, and heart, growing with each project into the emerging producer and director she is today.
Her path reminds us that the leap from student to artist isn’t made alone. It takes mentorship, collaboration, and the chance to do real work that matters. That’s the purpose of the Emerging Creators Network at So Fare Films—to be a launchpad, a proving ground, and a space of discovery. Sofia’s success is a living testament to what happens when young filmmakers are trusted, supported, and given the tools to shine.
Next month, Sofia moves to Los Angeles to begin her MFA at the American Film Institute Conservatory—a bold next step on a journey that began with a simple passion and a place to grow. We can’t wait to see what she creates next—and we’re proud to have been part of her story.
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