They Call It Summer

They Call It Summer (Italian: E la chiamano estate) is a 2012 Italian drama film directed by Paolo Franchi, who co-wrote the screenplay with Heidrun Schleef. Its title echoes that of a 1965 song by Bruno Martino.

The principal cast features Jean-Marc Barr, Isabella Ferrari, and Filippo Nigro, with Luca Argentero, Eva Riccobono, Anita Kravos, Maurizio Donadoni, and Jean-Pierre Lorit also appearing. The roughly 97-minute film follows a dramatic story built around passion and personal relationships.

The picture was presented at the 2012 Rome International Film Festival. Although reviewers almost universally dismissed it, the festival jury honored it with the Best Director prize and gave Isabella Ferrari the Best Actress award.