Sophia Loren laughs with excitement as the director of her new movie, Between Strangers, yells “Action”. Its her 100th film and the director is none other than her youngest son, Edoardo Ponti.

To be starring in her son’s first major film is a pleasure Sophia never dreamed of. After trying so hard to have children with her producer husband Carlo Ponti, now 87, her two sons Carlo Junior and Edoardo became the centre of her life. More important than her career and fame, bringing up the boys occupied most of her time.

The Italian superstar had rejected several film offers in recent years but couldn’t resist the offer when her 28-year-old son, who graduated from the University of Southern California’s School of Cinema, presented her with a role specially written for her.

Edoardo has been relaxed about the fact that his mother is also his star. “Working with my mother is a beautiful experience,” he says. “I think that her secret is that she puts love first, before anything. She’s enhancing our movie with her warmth, love and good humour.”

To read more about Edoardo Ponti directing his mum, legendary actress Sophia Loren in his first film, see this week's HELLO! on sale now.