Italian queer actor Giuseppe Futia is La Dolce Villa's breakout star

Giovanni's journey in the film is all about growth and communication — a theme that resonated with the actor. "I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. I can see when somebody's trying to sell me B.S., and I distance myself the minute I see it," he says.

"But as far as communication, I had to learn that," Futia admits. "I'm a Scorpio, so I like being secretive. Communication is definitely a skill, and it's different with each person. If you want to have a relationship, you have to work on it. It's like tending to your garden: if you want pretty flowers, you need to water them. That's how I see communication."

As someone who identifies as queer, Futia was happy to discuss navigating straight roles like Giovanni. "I couldn't wait for this question," he laughs. "I played straight throughout my teenage years, so this wasn't a big challenge. Also, love is love, whether you love a man or a woman. It's all love."

The actor says, "Straight people and queer people all express themselves differently. It's a spectrum. Growing up, I didn't lower my voice because I was afraid people would find out I was queer. Now, I just have a lower voice because I'm an adult and have had a lot of voice training."

Unfortunately, Futia did have uncomfortable experiences as a model and recalls one specific casting call. "I tried on some jeans and the casting director asked if I worked out. I said yes. He told me to focus more on cardio," Futia recalls. "I was a teenager, so I didn't say anything back. But that scared me for a couple of years."

As an actor, Futia also learned about the relentless rejection that comes with the craft. "It's a hundred noes, and one yes, which changes everything. So, what do you do when those hundred noes are happening? How do you see yourself? How do you value yourself?" he reflects. "I've got to say: I'm doing a better job at unconditional self-love in the last few years. I just keep marching on, no matter what others tell me. If I'm in this craft, there is something I want to say, something I believe in, regardless of what anyone else thinks."

Self-expression is also a significant part of his evolution, though he admittedly muted a few aspects of himself in the past to fit a mold. "I've always known what people wanted to see. A fit body; someone who's unproblematic, just cool and chill. I dumbed myself down a bit. Only in the last few years have I fully embraced who I am. I do like to read, meditate, and speak different languages. I'm not just trying to play the part of a cultured actor… I am that."

Futia also credits going to "acting school in New York" as a helpful experience on and offscreen. "I wasn't even able to cry alone in my room before," he says. "I've learned that whatever I feel is okay, because I'm feeling it. Emotions are worth expressing, no matter how they come out."

Of course, no discussion about La Dolce Villa would be complete without mentioning wine. When asked for Italian wine recommendations to pair with watching the film, Futia doesn't hesitate. "Such a great question, Ty! If you're a white wine lover, I'd say Greco di Tufo from southern Italy. For red wine lovers, Lambrusco! It's one of the most famous kinds of red wines in Italy."

The frequent traveling that an acting career might require has also reshaped his sense of home. "I come from a very, very small beach town in southern Italy, and I couldn't wait to escape it when I was younger. Now, every time I go back, I'm so grateful for my little piece of heaven — gorgeous beach, great food, amazing people."

He explains, "Over time, I've learned to create my own habitat wherever I go. Some places feel better than others, but if I can go for a jog with a view, be surrounded by greenery, art, architecture — and, of course, great food — I feel right at home."

When it comes to love, Futia believes that the journey must start within. "I want to answer with this beautiful saying: 'Go fall in love with yourself first, then with life, and then with anybody else.' If you don't love yourself, you're not able to love life and all the beautiful things it brings," he ponders. "If you don't love yourself or your life, what are you bringing to the table in a relationship?"

"I love how Erich Fromm in To Have or To Be?, and also in The Art of Living, talks about life and love as an art form," he notes. "It's not just something given — it's something you cultivate like a garden. You reap the rewards as long as you do the work."

In an industry like show business, queer actors often find themselves having to balance their passions and their fears. For Futia, a defining moment was moving out of his small Italian hometown at age 19 and starting a new life in West Hollywood.

The actor recalls coming from a "very homophobic, close-minded place to rainbow crosswalks and men holding hands, which helped a lot." He adds, "It reminded me that being myself wasn't [an issue]. In the industry, being myself was a step-by-step process."

"As a male model, I wasn't alone… but I did hesitate, at first, when people asked about my personal life," Futia says. "I'd keep it vague: 'I'm single, I watch movies, I read books.' Over time, I got comfortable saying, 'I have a boyfriend,' or 'I'm going to a gay club.' It took time. But now, I own who I am."

La Dolce Villa is now streaming on Netflix.