Monica Bellucci brings the spirit of Maria Callas to the Marrakech International Film Festival

“She was not only an artist of extraordinary talent; She was a woman seeking freedom in a world that often tried to limit her.”

The stirring documentary, which Bellucci described as a deeply personal journey, offers an intimate look into Callas’ life through her letters and memoirs. It reveals a side of the iconic soprano that few have seen.

“Through her writings I discovered Maria – the person behind the voice. Vulnerable, passionate, deeply human,” Bellucci said.

“It was unexpected to connect with her on such a personal level. You can tell she wasn’t just a performer; She had to deal with great sacrifices and longings.”

Bellucci shared how Callas’ remorse, particularly her longing for a family, gave her performance emotional weight.

“Her biggest wound was that she had no children. This struck me deeply because it highlights the personal cost of greatness. “She was a woman torn between her passion and what she couldn’t have,” she said.

Bellucci’s exploration of Callas wasn’t just limited to the screen. She accepted the challenge of portraying the soprano on stage, an experience that pushed her artistic boundaries.

“Theater is raw and unforgiving. You can’t hide; “You can’t fake anything,” she explained.

“There is a direct relationship with the audience. You can feel her energy and her control, which requires complete honesty.”

To master the role, she had to perform in three languages: Italian, French and English. Bellucci described the process as both daunting and rewarding.

“Every audience was different and every performance felt like a new experience. The words became a way to convey emotions, but the emotions themselves transcended language,” she said.

One of the most moving parts of Bellucci’s performance was wearing one of Callas’ original Yves Saint Laurent dresses during her stage performances.

“When I put the dress on, I was shaking,” she said, her voice softening as she remembered the moment. “It wasn’t just a costume. It was part of her history, something she had lived in. It gave me strength, almost like I could feel her presence.”

The dress became an anchor for Bellucci and symbolized her connection to Callas. “It wasn’t just material – it was history,” she said. “It reminded me of her essence and helped me channel her strength.”

Bellucci reflected on how Callas’ legacy resonates across generations.

“She represents the courage to take risks, to be authentic and to strive for freedom even when the world is against you. That’s why it still has great appeal today, especially among women who are making their own way in society,” she said.

As Bellucci spoke, her admiration for Callas was obvious — not just for her artistry, but also for her humanity.

“She wasn’t just an opera singer; She was a woman who lived her truth. That’s the legacy I want to honor,” she said.