Mario Cambi

Born in 1966 in Roma, he began his career in 1988 as a photographer. Then he worked as cameraman, editor, assistant director, director and writer. He graduated at Rome University (Department of Art, Music and Show). Since 1990 he worked for cinema and TV collaborating with companies such as Cecchi Gori, Luna Rossa Cinematografica, Esse&Bi and Dujass Film, and TV channels such as Rai, Tmc, and La7. Currently he works exclusively for Rai. In 2007 he published his first sci-fi novel, Genesi oltre la luce.

Director’s statement

“THE STORY OF LEO is about difference, whether between herds or between individuals. A solitary vegetarian lion and a sorrowful mother elephant meet, help each other, are lost and separated, and finally fall in love. Diversity of races, inner loneliness, social rejection, thirst for power... and famished cubs to feed, could sound like quite distant themes for children. That is, at least superficially. However, this story is in fact the tale of a journey, a search for a legendary place, the Milk Lake, and a dream of love that shatters all preconceived ideas. It expresses the importance of belonging to a united and open community, and the ability to accept ourselves as we are. [...] The power of animated film is its ability to hand down to future generations, through a language of today that is best understood and the most fun, the fundamental teaching of values such as tolerance, hope and love”.