Languages Archives: Sicilian

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A man in a red track suit holds up his hands, a man in black stands in front of him laughing and holding a gun.

Sicilian Letters Iddu

  Fabio Grassadonia & Antonio Piazza

  Italy, France     130 minutes

Synopsis

Sicily. Early 2000s. After serving several years in prison for Mafia-related crimes, Catello (Toni Servillo), a long-serving politician, has lost everything. When the Italian secret service prevails upon him to help capture the last major Sicilian Mafia boss Matteo (Elio Germano), who has been on the lam for three decades, Catello sees an opportunity to stage a comeback. A shrewd man of a hundred masks, Catello is a tireless illusionist and master manipulator, who turns truth into falsehood and falsehood into truth. As unique as it is improbable, Catello begins a correspondence with Matteo – using handwritten letters passed discretely to the fugitive with the intention of exploiting the younger man’s emotional shortcomings. It’s a gamble, one which, with one of the most wanted criminals in the world, involves a high degree of risk. Directing duo Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza (Salvo, Sicilian Ghost Story) return to the Festival with this mesmerizing addition to their wholly distinctive examination of the impact of Mafia culture on Sicilian civil society.

  

 Italian, Sicilian with subtitles

In Focus: Italy on Screen

the flag of ItalyThis film is part of the 60th Chicago International Film Festival’s In Focus: Italy on Screen collection, celebrating Italian cinema by harkening back to the best of the country’s filmmaking traditions while showcasing vibrant new work.

Learn more about this collection

Screenings & Events

Screening

Sat, Oct 19 @ 5:15pm CDT

at AMC NEWCITY 14, screen 13

Scheduled to Attend:
Director Antonio Piazza

Screening

Sun, Oct 20 @ 7:30pm CDT

at AMC NEWCITY 14, screen 13

Scheduled to Attend:
Director Antonio Piazza

Media

Film Credits

  •   Nicola Giuliano, Francesca Cima, Carlotta Calori, Viola Prestieri
  •   Paola Freddi
  •   Luca Bigazzi
  •   Toni Servillo, Elio Germano, Daniela Marra, Barbora Bobulova, Giuseppe Tantillo, Fausto Russo Alesi, Antonia Truppo
  •   Colapesce
  •   Indigo Film, Rai Cinema

Sponsors

With Support From

Logo: Cinecittà 288x60Logo: Italian Ministry of Culture 179x80Logo: Italian Cultural Institute - 200x100