‘Love Express’ film wraps production starring Francesco Serpico
The Limelight Global partnered with Italian production companies Nano Film Production and Bronx Film to finish shooting the short-film thriller 'Love Express' on 29 October 2026. Vincenzo Lamagna wrote and directed the project, which centers on Naples as both setting and narrative force. The production received backing from the 'Per Chi Crea' program run by Italy’s Ministry of Culture and SIAE.
Francesco Serpico, known for his role in the HBO series 'My Brilliant Friend', plays a disillusioned Neapolitan worker who rescues a girl from human traffickers. The rescue triggers a magical rebellion in which love serves as the sole force capable of rewriting fate inside a dark and ruthless world. The story blends mythical elements with contemporary social realities and approaches human trafficking through an unconventional, deeply human lens, according to materials supplied by the producers.
A Naples native, Vincenzo Lamagna previously wrote and directed the award-winning short films 'Un bacio di troppo', starring Gianluca Di Gennaro and Fernanda Pinto, and 'A Dark Tale', which screened at the St. Louis International Film Festival. He stated: “In my work I always challenge myself to create something that truly reaches the audience’s heart. My goal is to continue exploring stories of growth, identity, and to embrace the unknown.”
Lamagna described his vision for the city in explicit terms: “In Love Express, I want to bring a version of Naples to the screen that is not just a city, but a living, breathing universe, where every alley tells stories, dreams, and everyday miracles. It is my starting point, my emotional and narrative center. The Naples I portray is also fragile, poetic, made of deep shadows, where the everyday and the fantastic intertwine.” The director positions the city as an active character rather than a passive backdrop.
Producer Gelsomina Prositto, co-founder of NaNo Film Production, explained the thematic choice: “We create documentaries and short films that touch the delicate chords of the human soul and connect the audience with the world around it. ‘Love Express’ brings attention to human trafficking, a devastating practice in organized crime, and sadly still very much a reality today – but it does it unconventionally, through the lens of love.”
The Limelight Global acted as co-financier and co-producer. Andrea Krenn, Founder & Managing Director, said: “We are thrilled to bring this first project of our partnership with NaNo Film to life, as their skill of artistically expressing stories, visually supported by an authentic location, delivers impactful films with purpose.” The collaboration between Nano Film Production and The Limelight Global was sealed at this year’s Venice Film Festival, allowing each company to combine Italian and international industry networks.
Financial support came from the 'Per Chi Crea' funding initiative established by Italy’s Ministry of Culture together with SIAE to encourage emerging creative talent. The program directly assisted development of the short film.
The project represents the first collaboration between Nano Film Production and The Limelight Global. Andreas Krenn, Senior Consultant & Partner of The Limelight Global, noted: “Representing filming destinations and locations is our field in the industry; hence we are eager to work on projects in which a location is not just a pretty backdrop but becomes an integral part of a story.” Naples streets, contrasts and daily life therefore function as essential narrative components rather than decorative elements.
