Margherita Buy made her directorial debut with “Volare”, a film that premiered at the 2023 Rome Film Festival in the “Grand Public” section. The movie, which hit theaters last February 22, is now available for streaming on Apple TV and Prime Video. Ready to take flight?

AnnaBì’s courage and fear of flying: the film’s plot

The irrational and deeply human fear of flying grips AnnaBì (Margherita Buy), a talented actress who could aspire to international success if she could bring herself to get on that damned plane. Even the opportunity of her lifetime, a film directed by the trending Korean director, crumbles miserably due to her fear of flying. AnnaBì finds herself acting in the fifth season of a popular yet somewhat trivial TV series.

But here’s the twist: her beloved daughter has been accepted into a prestigious American university on the Pacific coast. What now? Will she forgo accompanying her? Will she see her again when she returns? What if she doesn’t return? What her career couldn’t achieve, the anguish of losing her daughter can. So, she enrolls in a course by the national airline, specifically designed for those afraid of flying.

AnnaBì isn’t alone in her journey. The course is conducted by a captain with fifteen thousand flight hours alongside a specialized psychologist. She encounters a diverse human caravan in the course: a dentist seeking to reunite with his great love in Mexico, a young woman wanting to see her beloved dogs in Australia, a bitter and conceited critic, and a rough, wealthy farmer wanting to see the world. They couldn’t be more different, but they share one thing: the fear of flying, each for different reasons.

Will she, with these (and many other) improbable adventure companions, overcome her fear?

An ensemble cast for the film Volare

The cast includes, besides Buy herself, Anna Bonaiuto, Giulia Michelini, Euridice Axen, Francesco Colella, Roberto De Francesco, Maurizio Donadoni, Pietro Ragusa, Vanessa Compagnucci, Caterina De Angelis, Oscar Matteo Giuggioli, Alice Ferri, Eros Galbiati, and Ahmed Hafiene. Featuring Massimo De Francovich and a guest appearance by Elena Sofia Ricci.

The film Volare marks Margherita Buy’s directorial debut, with a story written by herself along with Doriana Leondeff. The screenplay is the result of collaboration between Margherita Buy, Doriana Leondeff, and Antonio Leotti.

Produced by Tenderstories, Kavac Film, Maremosso, IBC Movie, Rai Cinema.