The VR short film is inspired by the events recounted in the handwritten war diary of soldier Ernesto Misuri, who belonged to the assault unit stationed in the Monte Grappa war zone (25 June 1918 – 26 October 1918). Otherwise an unknown figure, he was rescued from the anonymity and oblivion of History through the fortuitous discovery of his diary at a second-hand stall selling antique books. One of the sections of the diary, entitled “Rabbit,” recounts the story of the protagonist, a kind-hearted and naïve young man who is called upon to fight against the Austrians. The nickname given to him by his fellow villagers accompanies him even into the trenches, throughout his short yet glorious life.
For me, “Rabbit” represents a symbol for all those individuals who are often misunderstood and rejected by their community because of their shyness or their kindness towards others, which is perceived as excessive and as a sign of a lack of character and willpower. Contrary to what one might think, however, he is neither foolish nor cowardly, and he proves it by accomplishing a feat that others do not even have the courage to attempt. His heroic act is not driven by a desire to be accepted by his peers or to prove his abilities, but by his profound sense of justice and honor. The message conveyed by this story/testimony is, in fact, centered on the importance of knowing and affirming oneself without betraying one’s own nature, as “Rabbit” demonstrated both in life and in death: an intrinsically strong and unbeatable character who succeeded in overcoming both the insults of his peers and the enemy bullets.
