Co-Presented by Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History
Directed by Giuseppe Piccioni
Narrative Feature | Italy | 2022 | 125 min
Italian and French with English subtitles
PHILADELPHIA PREMIERE
In late 1930s Italy, Luciano (Riccardo Scamarcio, Where Life Begins), a disabled WWI veteran, spends his days catering to high-ranking fascist patrons at his restaurant in the picturesque town of Ascoli Piceno. A supporter of his country’s far-right politics himself, the stern owner’s beliefs are challenged upon hiring Anna (Benedetta Porcaroli), a beautiful, enigmatic young woman looking for work. As the two grow more intimate, political tensions are brought to turmoil in town, and secrets are unveiled that put Luciano and Anna’s lives in jeopardy.

Grippingly told with excellent lead performances by Scamarcio and Porcaroli, Giuseppe Piccioni’s old-school thriller has the look and feel of a Hollywood drama from the Golden Age, a tale of doomed romance and war. An expertly written script explores the increasingly extremist politics of the time before the war and the humanity of Luciano, a man whose redemption is brought forth by the woman he loves.

This event is followed by an Italian-themed dessert reception.
OFFICIAL SELECTION:

Miami Jewish Film Festival
New York Jewish Film Festival
San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
UK Jewish Film Festival