The Breath of a Sea Urchin is an 18-minute short film by director Domenico Pietropaolo, following Enea, an 18-year-old navigating the solitude and uncertainty after high school. During the summer before university, he feels increasingly distant from friends and his girlfriend, who embrace carefree days while he searches for belonging. The title evokes self-preservation: like a sea urchin, Enea shields himself with spines, symbolizing the defenses we build against life’s challenges. Shot on the Alexa Mini with Cooke SP2 lenses, and lensed by Pietro Ronzoni, the film’s intimate visuals enhance its coming-of-age story. Produced by Indaco Film and distributed by Pathos Distribution, it has screened at several festivals, including the Calabria Movie Film Festival.