At the Toronto International Film Festival, Cosima Spender, the director behind the new Andrea Bocelli documentary Because I Believe, revealed how her Italian heritage played a crucial role in her selection for the project.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on September 6, the day before the film’s TIFF premiere, Spender shared that Bocelli specifically requested an Italian-speaking director. “I was fortunate that the producers knew Andrea wanted someone who spoke Italian, as it’s essential to communicate in one’s native language when inviting someone into your life,” Spender said.
Spender, who was born in Tuscany like Bocelli, immediately connected with the opera singer. “We both share the same local accent from Tuscany,” she explained. “When Andrea learned my name is Cosima, he made a quick decision. He told me, ‘Oh, my doctor’s called Cosimo.’ We bonded over our shared love for our Tuscan roots.”
The documentary, which premiered on September 7, delves into Bocelli’s life from his early years to his rise as an iconic opera star. It features a mix of interviews, archival performance footage, and personal moments, including a heartwarming party where Bocelli’s friends and family reminisce over shared meals and memories.
Spender, whose previous work includes Italian TV series and music videos, emphasized the significance of their Tuscan connection. “Andrea travels globally, but he yearns for a connection to his homeland. We both cherish the Tuscan landscape, the smell of the soil after rain, and the sounds of the seasons. This common bond created an immediate connection between us.”
The film also provides a poignant look at Bocelli’s personal struggles. In one scene, Bocelli recounts the trauma of losing his sight due to glaucoma as a child. “I remember vividly the world I saw, the colors,” Bocelli reflects in the documentary. His brother, Alberto, shares the painful history of Bocelli’s multiple surgeries and the tragic soccer accident that further impaired his vision.
Bocelli’s mother, featured in an archival interview, described how they never viewed Andrea as a “poor boy,” emphasizing that they raised him with courage and resilience. “Andrea never accepted pity,” she said. “We taught him to face challenges with bravery.”
Spender described the documentary as an intimate portrayal of Bocelli’s life, offering viewers a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. “The film allows you to see more than just a performer,” she said. “It reveals him as a person, with music woven into every part of his daily life.”
Because I Believe offers fans a rare glimpse into the personal and professional life of Andrea Bocelli, showcasing the director’s unique connection to the subject and the profound impact of their shared heritage.