Meine geniale Freundin

Ferrante's successful work meets Johan Simons' atmospheric theatrical world.

The story of the two friends Lenú and Lila begins around 1950 in Naples: they grow up in a poor, popular neighborhood, are exceptionally talented and yet fundamentally different. Lenú is shy and hard-working, is the first of her family to go to university and eventually becomes a successful writer. The non-conformist Lila leaves school early and gets married, but rebels against the violent oppression of men with courage and creativity. From close up and from a distance, the two accompany each other through first loves, sexual experiences, social predicaments and political struggles - always striving to be better than the other.

My Ingenious Friend paints a vivid picture of Italy during the social and political upheavals of the second half of the 20th century. It is the story of two women who always insist on determining their own lives - even if the price they pay for this is sometimes very high.