A modern take on traditional courting, Sting Like a Bee is a musical journey in collaboration with jazz pianist Ze in the Clouds. The short film takes us on a quest in search of love through the streets of the Italian southern town of Vasto. As we follow the adventures of protagonist Nicola Antonini and his friends, we soon learn of the romantic dynamics and interactions that evoke the all too familiar summer days of adolescence. Sting Like a Bee is a tribute to one of Italy’s most iconic vehicles, the Piaggio Ape. Translating as “bee”, director Leone Balduzzi draws parallels between the restless bees in search of the sweetest flower and Nicola buzzing around in the hope of catching the attention of Matilde Talia - the prettiest girl in town.

LEONE is an award-winning film director and photographer, born and raised in San Salvo and based in Milan. Though he has lived in a big city for years, Leone has kept with him and as part of his work a predilection for all those things reminding him of his past and his home. He likes creating absurd stories, often with a refined comic twist even in tragedy. Leone likes nice stories, but mostly he likes to tell them nicely. That’s why in 2010 he started K48, his very own production company based in Milan. In 2016 he became publisher and partner of C41 Magazine. Leone is represented by K48, C41.eu and Bollywood Productions.