Daily Inspiration: Meet Matteo Cagliani

Today we’d like to introduce you to Matteo Cagliani

Hi Matteo , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hi!

My name is Matteo, and I’m a 20 years old Italian living and studying in Los Angeles.

Ever since I can remember, cinema has been an integral part of my life. My passion for this art form was born when I was a child, thanks to my father, who used to take me to watch movies on the big screen. I still remember the sense of wonder I felt every time the lights dimmed and the screen lit up: it was as if the real world dissolved, and I was transported to another dimension full of adventures, emotions, and extraordinary stories. For me, cinema became a refuge, a place where I could let go, live countless lives, and discover new perspectives.
I’ve always been an introverted person, more inclined to observe the world than to speak, and inside the cinema, I felt free to explore my emotions without fear. Perhaps that’s why I developed such a deep bond with it: cinema allowed me to express what I couldn’t put into words. I remember that, as a kid, every time I left the theater, I would run around pretending to be the protagonist of the film I had just seen. It felt like those stories didn’t want to let me go, and I wanted to carry a piece of them with me, even if just for a little while.

Over time, though, I realized I didn’t want to limit myself to experiencing those emotions as a spectator, I wanted to be on the other side of the screen, creating stories that make people feel the way I did. Perhaps stories that could reach introverted kids like me, helping them feel understood. I want to tell stories that touch the heart, inspire, spark reflection, or simply bring moments of joy and refuge. I firmly believe that cinema’s power goes far beyond entertainment: it’s a tool that breaks down barriers, helps us see the world through new eyes, and connects us on a deeper level.
My academic path has always been oriented toward bilingualism. I began studying English in elementary school, aware that mastering this language would one day be essential for global communication. At 15, I made a life defining decision: I chose to pursue a future in the entertainment industry. To prepare for it, I enrolled in a bilingual high school, where I focused on improving my English and shaping my skills for a future in the U.S. Because, let’s be honest, what better place to chase the dream of becoming a global artist?
Since then, my determination has never wavered. I know the path I’ve chosen is full of challenges, but I’m convinced that passion, dedication, discipline, kindness, and courage, the same qualities that brought me this far, will take me where I want to go.

After graduating, I began studying acting at the New York Film Academy in Florence, where I had the opportunity to interact with professionals, learn from teachers with real experience in the film world, and build relationships with other students who share my same passion. As I said before, I’m an introverted guy, and this characteristic doesn’t exactly go hand in hand with acting. In front of the camera, you have to be open and genuine; you need to open your heart and soul to the audience in order to convey real emotions. And that’s precisely why I couldn’t have asked for a better challenge. This journey is pushing me to challenge myself and my limits, and in a short time, as my teachers have confirmed, I’ve learned a lot and grown so much. Every day is a challenge and an opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and open my heart to the audience. This is why for me, cinema is not just a career, but a form of personal growth, a journey that enriches me in every way.

Outside of cinema, I am an active person and enjoy practicing sports. I did many sport over the years such as breakdance, judo, horseback riding, swimming, rock climbing and Boxe. Right now I’m focused bodybuilding, which I believe is a very constructive sport that helps you grow mentally and (of course) physically. It’s a discipline that teaches you how to approach life: the same effort, discipline and consistency you have to put in training and dieting in order to see actual results are the same you need for life, to achieve what you want. If there’s one thing I learnt during these years of practicing these sport, is that consistency is key; no matter how slow you improve, as long as you never stop, it’s all about becoming 1% better everyday. I am also a big fan of motorcycles and love riding my sport bike, which represents freedom and adventure for me. The feeling I get when I speed on two wheels is unique, giving me a sense of peace and adrenaline that few other things can provide.

Another passion of mine is photography. I’ve attended several courses to improve my skills and love capturing moments, landscapes, and people who tell stories through the lens. Like cinema, I see photography as a powerful medium for expressing emotions and connecting with others. I also enjoy drawing, which allows me to explore a more intimate, personal kind of creativity. Putting a face, a landscape, or an idea on paper is another way I communicate my emotions.

I also enjoy following fashion and dressing in a refined Italian style like my dad taught me to, which is a way for me to express my personality and my taste for elegance. For me, dressing well is not just about appearance but also about showing respect for oneself and for others.

Family has always played a central role in my life. Although my parents are divorced, I have a special relationship with both of them. My father is a very busy entrepreneur, but whenever we manage to spend time together, we share many passions: motorcycles, sports cars, working out at the gym, and watching movies or TV series. These moments help us strengthen our bond, despite the distance that work commitments sometimes create. My mother, on the other hand, is a language teacher and I share with her the passion of studying English and languages in general. She has always been a role model for me, a figure who has supported and inspired me at every step of my journey.

I also spend a lot of time with my grandparents, with whom I have a special bond. I enjoy cooking with them, learning the secrets of Italian cuisine, and spending time together, listening to their life stories and valuable advice. I am convinced that maintaining a strong connection with one’s family is essential for staying grounded and never losing sight of what truly matters in life.

Now I’m here, exactly where I wanted to be, waking up every morning feeling grateful and with the same grind of day one. Hopefully my journey will inspire others and help me achieve the best version of myself.

Thank you for reading my story and for taking the time to get to know me.

Matteo

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’ve been fortunate to have open minded parents who, even though I chose a completely different path from theirs, always offered me their support. That said, my journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve always had a deep desire to achieve something great. I never wanted to settle for less or blend into the crowd. I wanted to stand out.

That kind of mindset can be a double edged sword. On one hand, it drives you to aim higher, to push beyond your limits. On the other, it can create distance between you and those who don’t share the same outlook, and people like that aren’t easy to find. I’m not saying I’m unsociable. In fact, I’ve always found it easy to make friends. But even so, there’s often this lingering feeling of not being fully understood.

I’ve always believed in pushing myself, both physically and mentally. That drive required sacrifices. While others my age were out having fun, I was working out or reading books on self improvement, determined to better myself. And that drive didn’t stop when I decided to move to the U.S., a step that became one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced.

Back in Italy, I had everything: a car, a motorbike, my family, my favorite places, and lifelong friends. Here, I had nothing. Just me, my ambitions, and my will to improve. I had to step completely out of my comfort zone, and it was scary. I had to adapt to a new lifestyle, all while dedicating myself to studying and training, knowing I’d have to settle for less in the short term to get where I want to be in the future.

But that’s how growth happens. It’s not supposed to be easy. The challenges, the uncertainty, and the sacrifices, they’re all part of the process. And, in the end, they’re what make the journey worthwhile.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As I mentioned earlier, I am currently studying acting in Los Angeles at what I consider to be one of the best and most prestigious film schools: the New York Film Academy (NYFA). I began this journey by graduating from the one semester intensive program at NYFA Florence, which provided me with a comprehensive 360 degree view of the film industry. During this time, I not only deepened my acting skills but also gained valuable knowledge in cinematography, directing, and filmmaking.

Throughout this program, I had the opportunity to work and study alongside industry professionals, successfully completing over 15 NYFA film projects. I took on a variety of roles, including a secret agent, a charming boyfriend, an assassin, a prince, a spy, a stalker, and a criminal. My collaborators were always satisfied with our work together and often invited me back for additional projects.

After completing my first semester, I’m continuing my studies at NYFA Los Angeles, pursuing a BFA program that will make me work as a professional in the entertainment industry. I have already participated in different shoots here in LA, which have further honed my skills and expanded my professional growth.

Before coming to the U.S., I attended a bilingual high school where I studied several languages. Today, I speak 4: Italian, English, Spanish, and German. Additionally, during high school, I completed a Copywriting program and worked as a Copywriter for a time.

Back in Italy, I had the unique opportunity to train with some of the country’s best bodybuilders and coaches, which significantly enhanced my knowledge of nutrition and training.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m open to any kind of collaboration that comes my way. I truly enjoy sharing my passions with others and creating something unique. Typically, I collaborate with fellow actors, actresses, and filmmakers. Recently, I also launched a fitness Instagram account where I share my knowledge of nutrition and training to help others. However, I would also be excited to collaborate with other content creators!

For any collaboration inquiries, feel free to contact me on my main Instagram account (@matteocagliani_) or my content creator account (@_itzmatz), or you can email me at itz.matt.itz@gmail.com.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: (Instagram) matteocagliani_ / _itzmatz
• Other: (Gmail) itz.matt.itz.@gmail.com