Thomas Torelli is a highly accomplished and Rome-based director and producer, with a profound passion for crafting films and documentaries that tackle pressing social issues. Throughout his extensive career, he has demonstrated a remarkable aptitude for storytelling, honing his skills as an editor and executive producer. In 2001, Thomas took the bold step of founding Xtend, a pioneering production and post-production company specializing in film and television projects. This venture proved to be a resounding success, paving the way for the establishment of Telemaco in 2003.
Thomas has had a diverse and illustrious career, marked by numerous collaborations on various projects in different roles. One of his most notable contributions has been his work in editing and post-production, which has been showcased in some of the most prominent titles within Italian independent cinema.
In addition to his impressive portfolio, Thomas has also had the distinction of co-editing CRAJ, a film that garnered widespread acclaim and went on to win the prestigious Lino Miccichè Award for Best Opera Prima at the esteemed Venice Film Festival in 2005. This achievement not only solidified Thomas's reputation as a talented editor but also demonstrated his ability to work effectively in a team to produce high-quality content.
Furthermore, Thomas has also ventured into the realm of direction, overseeing the post-production of Dall'altra parte della Luna, a captivating rockumentary that delves into the world of the Italian band Negramaro. This project, which was presented at the Venice Film Festival in 2007, showcases Thomas's versatility as a creative professional and his ability to successfully navigate the demands of a complex project.
Thomas's professional endeavors in 2006 led to the creation of a thought-provoking feature documentary, ZERO: An Investigation into 9/11, in which he served as the executive producer and co-author. This groundbreaking film delves into the inconsistencies and oversights present in the official narrative surrounding the tragic events of 9/11. The documentary boasts insightful presentations by renowned Nobel Prize winner Dario Fo and celebrated American literary icon Gore Vidal. In 2007, ZERO made its debut at the prestigious International Film Festival of Rome, garnering attention and acclaim. The following year, the film won the Audience Award at the Festival Internacional de Cine Documental de la Ciudad de México, a testament to its impact and effectiveness. Since its release, ZERO has been distributed in over 70 countries, emerging as a powerful symbol of the ongoing quest for truth and transparency regarding the September 11th attacks.
Thomas has had a distinguished career as a producer, with a portfolio that showcases his dedication to creating impactful and thought-provoking documentaries.
One of his most notable projects is Pablo - The poet's lives, a cinematic journey that delves into the life and legacy of the renowned Chilean poet Pablo Neruda. This documentary premiered at the prestigious AFI Film Festival of Los Angeles in 2005, and subsequently received critical acclaim at the Montreal Film Festival in 2006.
Thomas has also collaborated with Francesca Nava on L'altro Messico – Il ritorno del Subcomandante Marcos, a documentary that explores the complexities of Mexican politics and society. Notably, this film donated 50% of its profits to the Zapatista communities, underscoring Thomas's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.
Another notable project in Thomas's oeuvre is Mario Balsamo's Sognavo le nuvole colorate, a documentary that tells the remarkable story of Edison Duraj, a nine-year-old Albanian child who braved the treacherous waters of the Adriatic Sea to emigrate to Italy alone, without his parents. This powerful film was presented at the 2008 Locarno Film Festival, where it received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and narrative resonance.
Thomas embarked on a remarkable creative endeavor in 2009, producing and directing a groundbreaking documentary titled Sangue e Cemento, which delved into the devastating earthquake that struck Abruzzo, shedding light on the catastrophic event that captivated global attention. This cinematic masterpiece, released in theaters, garnered widespread acclaim and earned a prestigious nomination for Best Documentary of the Year at the Nastri d'Argento awards, a testament to Thomas' exceptional filmmaking skills.
In tandem with his documentary endeavors, Thomas collaborated on The brat syndrome, a thought-provoking documentary that explores the complexities of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),with the invaluable support of the Piedmont Film Commission. This project not only shed light on a crucial topic but also showcased Thomas' ability to tackle sensitive subjects with sensitivity and nuance.
Thomas' latest creative endeavor is the documentary Another World, a breathtaking journey that delves into the realms of science, consciousness, and the human experience. This ambitious project invites viewers to embark on a profound exploration of our relationships with ourselves, the world around us, and the universe as a whole, offering a profound reflection on our place within the grand tapestry of existence.
Thomas is diligently devoted to the creative process of bringing a film documentary to life, with the ambitious goal of completing the project, Serial Killers, by the end of the year 2014, marking a significant milestone in his professional journey.
