We are proud to announce that Federico Villa, a longtime friend of the Aria Wheels family, is the co-star of the new film "Lo chiamava Rock & Roll". An exciting cinematic adventure in which his inseparable, trusted Aria Special accompanies him once again on an extraordinary journey.
A story of rebirth and friendship
Directed by Saverio Smeriglio and inspired by a true story, this feature film is a comedy designed for a wide audience. The plot revolves around Mauro Bertuzzi, a big wave rider used to challenging giant ocean waves, whose life is turned upside down by a serious accident that leaves him disabled and forces him into a long period of rehabilitation in a clinic.
Pushed into the abyss by the impossibility of returning to the water, Mauro finds his light thanks to an unexpected encounter: Federico. Federico is a young man with ataxia who proves to himself, day after day, that "diversity" and "normality" are not that far apart. Together, like two old friends, they escape the clinic to embark on a wonderful and difficult road trip that will lead them to face their limits and be reborn as new men.
From Sitting Influencer to movie star
In the film, Federico's character is a handbike athlete who dreams of travelling and reaching his sister.
Born in New York and raised in Italy, Federico lives with Friedreich's ataxia, a neurodegenerative disease that has forced him into a wheelchair since the age of eighteen. But as we at Aria Wheels know well, his curiosity has always been an unstoppable engine. A self-described "sitting influencer," Federico has turned his daily life into a continuous opportunity: he travels the world to share experiences and valuable technological resources for other wheelchair users.
To specifically support his independence, we have collaborated with him on technical matters, such as developing our carbon transfer board. In this film, his Aria Special is not just an aid, but the ideal travelling companion for a rock soul that stops at nothing.
A strong message of inclusivity
"Lo chiamava Rock & Roll" is not just a film about different disabilities but a journey that pushes the viewer to reflect on how one can live fully by overcoming their limits.
To demonstrate this commitment, the production chose to create a single with subtitles, making the work truly accessible to everyone.
Keep rolling with Federico
Thank you, Federico, for continuing to inspire us every single day with your unstoppable energy. To keep up with his adventures and discover more about his incredible journey, be sure to follow him on Instagram at @sitting_influencer.