The Choice of Staying – Now on Prime Video Italia

This is the story of a film born from a profound encounter between an artist and Damanhur.
The Choice of Staying is a documentary by young Italian director Mattia Mura Vannuzzi, who returned to Damanhur several times over the course of three years to tell the story of Celastrina Callea—a young Damanhurian and her conscious choice to stay in Damanhur.

As Mattia shares in this interview, the film acts as a mirror: a symbolic space where viewers can see themselves, reflect, and question their own stance on universal themes such as freedom, choice, dedication, and courage.

We are deeply grateful to Mattia for the respect and depth with which he portrayed our community. It was especially meaningful to collaborate with an artist who returned again and again over the years, choosing a slow, immersive approach. In an era so often shaped by fleeting, viral content, Mattia instead chose to take the time to listen, understand, and represent the complexity without shortcuts.

We’re happy to announce that the film will be released on May 25 on Prime Video Italia —a special opportunity to see Damanhur through fresh eyes and be inspired.

We warmly invite you to watch it and share your impressions in the comments below. We look forward to reading them all!

And below, don’t miss the interview with Mattia, where he shares more about the creative journey behind the film.

How did your interest in Damanhur begin?

A few years ago, almost by chance, I felt a kind of “calling” toward Damanhur. I stumbled upon an article, had a conversation with a friend from Piedmont who knew the community, and realized it brought together many themes I was deeply passionate about: spirituality, mysticism, the idea of borders and boundaries, micronations, and the image of a sacred place hidden in the Alps. Damanhur seemed to contain all of this in one space—so I felt compelled to tell its story.

What struck you about Celastrina and her choice to stay?

Celastrina embodies a rare kind of trust and devotion. As someone who’s always on the move, I was deeply drawn to her sense of rootedness and her full-hearted commitment to a life she chose with intention. Her story felt like a powerful gesture of belonging and inner searching.

How did you portray Damanhur while honoring its complexity?

I avoided making judgments or simplifying things. To offer a balanced view, I collaborated with a colleague who has a more rational, less spiritual perspective. Through in-depth interviews and time spent living alongside the community, I was able to show Damanhur’s many layers—letting people and their stories speak for themselves.

How does the documentary also speak to the viewer?

During the editing process, I worked to step back and remove my personal lens, creating space for the viewer to see themselves reflected in the images and stories. The Choice of Staying is a journey into a community, but it’s also an invitation to reflect on one’s own relationship with freedom and belonging.

What was your most meaningful experience at Damanhur?

Being at Damanhur felt like crossing a threshold into another reality—where art, spirituality, and daily life are woven together. I learned how collective choices and a strong sense of community can shape both environment and relationships, offering a living example of how an alternative reality can be built together.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the film?

I hope the film serves as an open door—not one that gives answers, but one that invites personal reflection. The Choice of Staying was born out of curiosity and respect for Damanhur, and it aims to encourage people to explore, to listen, and to feel—in whatever way is meaningful to them.