the story of Willy Monteiro, a young boy killed five years ago in Colleferro, Italy, during a brutal beating, continues to resonate deeply. A new film, “40 seconds,” explores this tragedy, and features Giordano Giansanti, a young boxer from Civitavecchia who recently turned professional, in his first acting role.

Directed by Vincenzo Alfieri and based on the book by journalist Federica Angeli, “40 seconds” is scheduled for release in theaters on November 19. Giansanti plays Federico Zurma,the friend that Willy saved from the aggressors who ultimately killed him.

«It is indeed a true, tragic, and full of meaning story – explains Giordano Giansanti – knowing that I would interpret one of the negative roles has put me in front of a great responsibility: to give voice to something that exists, wich is scary, and that sadly it is real. Being a boxer,I am used to discipline,concentration,work on myself. This also helped me a lot in acting. On the set, as in the ring, you must be present, listen, control the body and emotions. The context changes, but the intensity is the same.

Giansanti on transitioning from Boxing to Acting

Giansanti reflected on his experience, noting the similarities between boxing and acting.He emphasized the importance of discipline, concentration, and emotional control in both fields.

«It is a true, tragic, and full of meaning story…»

«I had never done the actor before, but I got involved with humility, trying to learn from those who had more experience and facing every scene with respect for history and for those who really lived it. It was a strong experience, which left me so much inside.And he made me understand that, just like in sport, he also serves heart, fatigue and truth in cinema ».