Gregor was born in Germany and moved to Italy with his family when he was newborn. His family lives in the countryside and has a deep love for animals. These two donkeys belong to Gregor’s family, and every Sunday he goes to his parents’ home for lunch.

Giulio and Gregor together in their home, in a small village in Tuscany near Florence.

Giulio works as a chef in a restaurant in the village where he lives.

At the beginning of their time living together, Giulio and Gregor used to have lunch and dinner together. Each of them prepared his own meal, and both would wait for the other until everything was ready. In the final days of their life as roommates, they started eating separately. They were both looking for more independence and preferred spending more time on their own.

Light tests in Giulio’s old family home. Giulio’s parents moved to America. The house where Giulio grew up has since been turned into a villa for tourists. Giulio’s siblings still live in Tuscany.

It is not easy to draw them out of their routine. They are very much creatures of habit. But together, we were able to create moments to spend time together and step outside the rigidity of their daily routine.

Having fun

A calla lily in the sun, in the garden at the boys’ home.

Gregor loves joking around and playing with shadows.

Celebrating Giulio’s birthday.

Celebrating Gregor's birthday

At the train station before heading to Florence.

Gregor loves joking around with Giulio.

Giulio and Gregor often have arguments.

Living together is not always easy. There are often misunderstandings, and the two of them sometimes need to spend a little time on their own.

At the town’s public pool, just before taking a dive and cooling off.

Before going upstairs, they check the mail. Giulio cannot read, and Gregor can read a little. Despite their communication difficulties, they are fully capable of living autonomous, independent lives.

On Sundays, Gregor spends the day at his parents’ home. After lunch, they often play board games together.

Every Thursday, Giulio goes grocery shopping.

At home, each of them has his own fridge with his own food. They find it hard to share, and they often secretly eat each other’s things. This often leads to arguments.

At the train station, they check the departure times on the board.

Gregor works in a café. He wakes up very early in the morning to prepare and serve breakfast.

A walk in the mountains, outside the rhythm of their everyday routine.

The streetlamp outside the house comforts Gregor, who is afraid of the dark at night. Its light reaches his room, and it helps him feel safe.