“I misteri di Bolsena” Short Documentary, 2023
In July 2023 we were invited by the Bolsena architect and curator Luca Puri and the city of Bolsena to film the annual event of this town located in Lazio. We were overwhelmed by it, and the result was an almost silent, or rather, sound documentary. In addition to the story of the little saint, which almost has the characteristics of a fairy tale, we were surprised by the people who participate in the mysteries. The total devotion to this theatrical, complex and totally self-financed re-enactment is shocking. The success, the strength transmitted by their performances must be unprecedented every year. In every family elderly people, adults, children, sometimes even babies or animals are involved. It is a summer carnival of spirituality and madness, definitely close to death, but even closer to life.This short documentary, made during the three days of the festival, recounts some passages in their most dreamlike and alienating aspects. An overwhelming experience where the boundary between sky and earth becomes blurred and spirits seem to take possession of the city for an annual Sabbath.