The Maiella, Matteo Piermattei
When Monika Bodera invited me to join her ‘Forte e gentile – i volti dell’Abruzzo’ portrait project, which celebrates the evolving identity of Abruzzo, honouring its traditions while embracing its growing cultural diversity, she asked me to suggest Italians who embodied the project’s spirit and to be photographed myself. The first was easy, many came to mind; however, the idea of being photographed for such a meaningful project was both flattering and panic-inducing. I’ve always intensely disliked being photographed, yet agreed politely, and then spent a month quietly worrying about it.
When the day finally came, I found myself in the studio of one of Abruzzo’s great photographers, Luciano D’Angelo – the kind who can somehow capture not just a face but a whole life in a single frame. Paulina Sobczak, an acclaimed photographer of Polish heritage who migrated to London and is known for capturing warmth and confidence even from those who believe they have none, was to photograph me.
What unfolded was an hour of unexpected joy; three women and one man, of different ages, nationalities, languages, and cultures, all connecting through curiosity, a love of photography, and a shared admiration for Abruzzo. We all discovered a shared passion for the late Sebastião Salgado and swapped stories about the larger-than-life characters who make this region so special. It was international networking of the most natural kind: spontaneous, creative, and deeply human. The type of moment that reminds you how much we need more of these cross-cultural sparks, the everyday magic of meeting people with whom we share common bonds and, in turn, who help us see our world and ourselves in a new light.
And that’s precisely part of what Forte e gentile – i volti dell’Abruzzo fosters, emotional connections within the region.
Reimagining “Forte e Gentile” for Today’s Abruzzo
Journalist Primo Levi first coined the phrase “Forte e Gentile” (Strong and Kind) to describe the people of Abruzzo, which he used to promote his book about the region in 1882. It has been used extensively by tourist boards ever since! Monika’s Forte e Gentile project takes a fresh look at a phrase we all know so well – “strong and kind” – and asks what it means in today’s Abruzzo, a region that’s rapidly becoming home to people from all over the world.
Through photography and storytelling, the project captures the faces and voices of those helping to shape a new narrative for the region: locals and newcomers alike each represent a story of integration, collaboration and the blending of cultures that define modern Abruzzo. Their faces reflect strength and kindness -just like the region itself.
At its heart, the project is about connection – between people, places, and histories. It celebrates resilience and transformation, showing how identity and belonging are constantly evolving here in the mountains and valleys of Abruzzo. It aims to achieve several goals:
- Highlight both long-time residents and newcomers contributing to community life.
- Foster dialogue and understanding between Italians and foreign residents.
- Revive cultural sites by turning them into living, creative and social spaces.
- Celebrate entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders who challenge stereotypes and bring positive change.
But it isn’t just an exhibition. It’s the beginning of a living network, one that can continue to grow, helping rejuvenate small villages facing depopulation and transforming them into vibrant places of collaboration and creativity. As Monika explained, “As I was finding my way in Abruzzo following my move here in 2021, I realised how much I missed the networking events I used to attend in London. This inspired me to reach out to the Comune di Cugnoli, where I organised a local networking event. The warm response and success of that event encouraged me to explore the idea further. Despite the language barrier, I took my time to speak with various people in the Italian administration. Navigating these conversations, without being fluent in Italian, was one of my proudest achievements in many ways. It was during this process that I found a meaningful way to contribute to the local community while also connecting with other international residents.”
Monika’s association, IRIS, fosters cultural integration, creativity, and social connection in Abruzzo. IRIS brings locals and newcomers together through events, workshops, and projects that encourage the sharing of stories, skills, and perspectives. The latest initiative is a photography course designed to broaden employment skills, while also serving as an enjoyable pastime.
IRIS also helps people start community projects, building collaboration and keeping Abruzzo’s forte e gentile spirit alive as the region embraces new faces.
Visit the Exhibition
Join Monika, the photographers, and many of those who sat for them at the launch of Forte e Gentile to experience firsthand the energy, stories, and faces shaping a bolder, more connected Abruzzo on Sunday, 19th October in Cugnoli. Meet these inspiring individuals, and be part of the growing community redefining what it means to be strong and kind in our region.
The exhibition runs for 3 months, in Cugnoli until the 14th November, and then it will be shown in Capestrano and finally Bussi sul Tirino. Don’t miss your chance to reflect on the meaning of strength and kindness in today’s Abruzzo – and contribute your own voice to this evolving story.
Further Reading
Author: Sam Dunham
Sam is a freelance SEO content creator and IGCSE Geography and English teacher at Istituto Cristo Re in Rome. She also runs the Life In Abruzzo Cultural Association, sharing stories and insights about this captivating region.
Alongside raising a teenager, Sam hosts guests at her family’s traditional home, the Little House of the Firefly in Abruzzo, offering a warm welcome and insider tips on local culture, food, and hidden gems.
