Alfredo's Fire

Andy Abrahams Wilson's short documentary profiles Alfredo Ormando, who in 1998 set himself on fire in St. Peter's Square to protest the Vatican's stance on homosexuality. Although he survived the conflagration, the resultant injuries claimed the life of the 39-year-old writer 10 days later. Wilson presents his subject's viewpoint through readings of letters he left behind. Ormando, who didn't consider himself an activist, hailed from working-class stock in Palermo. Ormando never told his mother that he was gay (although they were close), and when he did confide in his brother, Angelo, the siblings' relationship suffered. Following Ormando's death, Angelo told a talk show audience that he could have provided more support if his brother had only come out to him (Angelo now regrets the lie). As a young man, Ormando found a more welcoming environment in Sicily, but he still felt set apart (friends say he disliked his appearance and wore dark glasses as a means of deflecting attention). Uncomfortable with his sexual orientation, Ormando tried to control his desires and even lived at a monastery for two years. Later, he would share a home with an older gentleman for whom he worked as an attendant, while also continuing his writing (most of his novels were rejected, but he did find a publisher for Il Fratacchioni). Towards the end of his life, Ormando became obsessed with the idea of death by fire. Gay activist Vincenzo Scimonelli believes that Ormando saw it as a purification ritual, and he also argues that Ormando didn't die in vain since his suicide inspired other Italians to speak out for gay rights. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)