Raffa | All you need to know about the Hulu documentary and life of the amazing Raffaella Carrà

The sheer breadth of Raffaella Carrà's life is a vivid tapestry of glamor, activism, and above all, the crusade to fight for personal freedom in Italy and across the globe.
Raffaella Carra in a show for Spanish television in 1972, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gianni Ferrari/Cover/Getty Images)
Raffaella Carra in a show for Spanish television in 1972, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gianni Ferrari/Cover/Getty Images)

Documentary name: Raffa

Platform: Hulu

Country of origin: Italy

Date of Release: December 27, 2023

Genre: Biopic

What is the plot of 'Raffa'?

Rafa charts the amazing life story of Raffaella Carrà, the Italian singer and TV personality who went on to become an LGBTQ+ icon and a genuine global star.   

Who was Raffaella Carrà?

Apart from singing, dancing, acting and being an all-round phenomenon, Raffaella was a dedicated supporter of gay rights and reached icon status in the community that gave her the 'Gay Icon' award in 2017. Raffaella was, and remains, one of those people who defied the norms and conservatism of their age and dedicated their lives to bringing about a change years in the making, but no less an arduous task to realize. And in an interesting bit of trivia, Rafaella was banned by the Vatican for showing her navel on TV (the horror!).

Was Raffaella Carrà married?

Raffaella was courted by the stars of her age, including Frank Sinatra whom she reportedly spurned. But Raffaella never did get married despite having a slew of long-term relationships with actors and soccer players. Her relationship with Sergio Japino transcended romance and they remained the closest of friends even after they split in the 1990s. In fact, it was Japino who broke the news of Raffaella's death to her legion of adoring fans. Rafaella never had biological children (reportedly she was medically unable to), but she adopted many children from around the world (though these were, let's say, long-distance relationships).

Raffaella Carra with Frank Sinatra at a party for the movie 'Von Ryan's Express' in 1965 in New York City. (Photo by Santi Visalli/Getty Images
Raffaella Carra with Frank Sinatra at a party for the movie 'Von Ryan's Express' in 1965 in New York City. (Photo by Santi Visalli/Getty Images

How did Raffaella Carrà die?

Raffaella Carrà died in Rome on July 5, 2021, aged 78 from lung cancer. Her ashes are scattered at Porto Santo Stefano and San Giovanni Rotondo in the Sanctuary of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina.

Raffaella Carra attends a photocall for 'The Voice Of Italy' in 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vincenzo Lombardo/Getty Images)
Raffaella Carra attends a photocall for 'The Voice Of Italy' in 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Vincenzo Lombardo/Getty Images)

Is 'Raffa' worth watching?

It most certainly is. The sheer breadth of Raffaella Carrà's life is a vivid tapestry of glamor, activism, and above all, the crusade to fight for personal freedom in Italy and across the globe. From stellar romances and groundbreaking performances to awe-inspiring empathy and love, the documentary showcases the woman who possessed all these facets.  

MEAWW Watch ranking

3 out of 5

'Raffa' trailer



 

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