Terraferma

Terraferma

2011. Italy. Directed by Emanuele Crialese. With Filippo Pucillo, Donatella Finocchiaro, Beppe Fiorello. Two women, an Island dweller and a foreigner: one dramatically influences the life of the other. But they both share the same desire for a different future, a better life for their children and the dream of the mainland. Terraferma is the desired destination of those travelling by sea, but it may also turn out to be an island with its deep-rooted traditions. The Pucillo family has to come to terms with immobility: Ernesto is 70 years old and he’d do anything to avoid having to scrap his fishing boat. His grandson Filippo is 20. His father was lost at sea and he finds himself caught up “in time“ between his grandfather Ernest and his uncle Nino, who gave up fishing in favour of “baiting“ tourists. His young, widowed mother, Giulietta, senses that this island’s frozen, immutable time has turned them all into strangers and that there is no future for her nor for her son Filippo. For there to be a future they must have the courage to leave. One day, the sea propels other travellers into their lives, among them Sara and her son. Ernesto gives them refuge: it is the ancient law of the sea. However, the new laws made by man does not allow this: the life of the Pucillo family is turned upside down and they are forced to change direction” (68th Venice International Film Festival notes). In Italian; English subtitles. 88 min.