Lost and Beautiful

Bella e perduta

Despite death threats from the Mafia and his country's general apathy, a humble shepherd, Tommaso, takes it upon himself to look after the abandoned Bourbon palace of Carditello, deep in the heart of the 'Land of Fires.'

One day, Tommaso is seized by a heart attack and dies; but not before making a final wish. He summons a masked character named Pulcinella (a classical character that originated in 17th century Italian theater) to rescue a buffalo calf called Sarchiopone from the forsaken palace. Together, man and beast, embark on a long journey through a lost and beautiful Italy, searching for something which may no longer exist.

Originally conceived as a documentary, director Pietro Marcello had to change course after Tommaso's death halfway through production. The resulting work, shot on expired 16mm stock, is a beautiful, touching ode to the shepherd and his memory, as well as a reflection on the systemic corruption and turmoil plaguing their beloved country.

Winner of the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury - Special Mention and nominated for the Golden Leopard at the Locarno International Film Festival. Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival.

"A layered, labyrinthine meditation on Italy, failure, and the need to continue moving forward even in the face of the impossible." - Manohla Dargis, The New York Times