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SPECIAL NEWS:

'In Development' FEATURE FILM PROJECT

La Pagina Sportiva.

In Nazi-occupied Italy, amid the cobblestones of a mountain village, a revolution is whispered, with a ball, a page, and a child's voice. La Pagina Sportiva redefines the war through the eyes of its most unexpected protagonists: children.

Production Companies Involved.

Didza Productions [US] – Production company
Branch: New York, NY.
Olive Pictures [GB] – Production company
Branch: London, UK

CONCEPT ART.

"A game, a newspaper, a war—sometimes the smallest acts change history. They fought back with the only weapons they had—words, wit, and a ball."

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

DOCUMENTARY film.

Red Bird is a haunting and poetic documentary about a man, 'Giulio Petrilli', who spent nearly a decade in prison without a single piece of concrete evidence ever proving his guilt. Through deeply personal interviews, surreal visual metaphors, and stylized artistic interludes, the film explores the emotional and psychological devastation wrought by wrongful incarceration, portraying a justice system where silence, prejudice, and bureaucracy conspire to erase a life.

WATCH THE TEASER TRAILER

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

'Lo Spauracchio' Animation Short Film.

In a small mountain village in the heart of Italy's Abruzzo National Park, magical events unfold after a mysterious night. As nature shifts and wonder awakens, the villagers are faced with something, or someone, they do not understand. What follows is a poetic tale of fear, rejection, and the quiet strength of those who don't belong. Blending humor, magic and emotion, Lo Spauracchio is a timeless story about difference, empathy, and the courage to be seen.

'STRAIJE'
I RACCONTI DELLE STREGHE.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

STRAIJE – I Racconti delle Streghe is a hauntingly poetic animated short film set in the ancient mountain village of Ortona dei Marsi, where mist clings to stone walls and time moves with the hush of old prayers. Drawing from the whispered legends passed down through generations, the film unearths the forgotten tales of witches, spirits, and ghostly apparitions that once roamed these valleys. Each story, wrapped in superstition and shadow, is told with the reverence of folklore and the eerie intimacy of a bedtime tale never meant for sleep. With painterly animation and a soul steeped in ancestral fear and wonder, Straije is a love letter to the dark corners of memory — where myth and truth entwine like smoke through the trees.

In a crooked old house by the churchyard wall,
lives a witch with a cat and no teeth at all.
She brews her spells in a pasta pot,
with eye of toad… and pepper—hot! She dances at night in her grandma's boots,
sings with the owls, and talks to roots.
The villagers whisper, “She’s lost her head!”
But she serves great soup—and no one’s dead. So if you pass by, don’t scream or twitch,
just tip your hat to the giggling witch.
She might be mad… or magic, dear...
either way, best not draw too near.

PAOLO DI MAIO filmmaker - director - writer - production designer

Founder and CEO of GATOstudios

Paolo Di Maio is an award-winning Italian filmmaker and the creative force behind GATO Studios. His work spans fiction, animation, and documentary, blending visual poetry with emotional truth. Born in Italy and shaped by years living and working across Europe, South America, and the Middle East, Paolo brings a global perspective to every project. He is known for crafting films with strong atmosphere, bold artistic choices, and deeply human storytelling. Whether directing a feature like La Pagina Sportiva, designing the painterly world of Lo Spauracchio, or shaping the haunting imagery of The Last Reflection, Paolo’s work is driven by imagination, craftsmanship, and a dedication to meaningful cinema. At GATO Studios, he leads the artistic vision with a focus on innovation, authenticity, and world-class storytelling. His projects have received international recognition, multiple awards, and growing attention across the global film industry.

IMDb page

SPECIAL NEWS:

'In Development' FEATURE FILM PROJECT

La Pagina Sportiva.

GATO studios is not involved in the Production of La Pagina Sportiva.

Production Companies Involved.

CONCEPT ART.

'RED BIRD'
Giulio Petrilli racconta.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

DOCUMENTARY film.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

'Lo Spauracchio' Animation Short Film.

ANIMATION SHORT FILM.

'STRAIJE'
I RACCONTI DELLE STREGHE.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

PAOLO DI MAIO filmmaker - director - writer - production designer

Founder and CEO of GATOstudios

SPECIAL NEWS:

'In Development' FEATURE FILM PROJECT

La Pagina Sportiva.

GATO ​studios is not involved in the Production of La Pagina Sportiva.

Production Companies Involved.

CONCEPT ART.

'RED BIRD' Giulio Petrilli racconta.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

DOCUMENTARY film.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

'Lo Spauracchio' Animation Short Film.

ANIMATION SHORT FILM.

'STRAIJE' I RACCONTI DELLE STREGHE.

written and directed by Paolo Di Maio

PAOLO DI MAIO filmmaker - director - writer - production designer

Founder and CEO of GATOstudios

GATO studios is not involved in the Production of La Pagina Sportiva.

'RED BIRD'
Giulio Petrilli racconta.

'STRAIJE'
I RACCONTI DELLE STREGHE.