Film Screening: Mediterraneo at Cinema Akil

Sit back, relax and enjoy a delightful antiwar-drama during a screening at Cinema Akil from 31 July - 06 August. Mediterraneo is a typically populist, traditional and sweet-natured period piece which is so tenderly scored and actually quite good in characterization.

This Academy Award winner for Best Foreign Language Film in 1992 presents a story set during World War II on a deserted island.

The film’s subject is, of course, incredibly timely. Where “Black Lives Matter” has become a rallying cry in the U.S., Jonas Carpignano’s sharply crafted “Mediterranea” voices a counterpart for African immigrants in southern Italy: “Stop shooting blacks!”

Mediterraneo follows a group of Italian soldiers during World War II who are stuck on a Greek island where they find their humanity, love and friendships. In the historic context, the movie’s somewhat problematic as it makes the Italians seem innocent during the war which certainly wasn’t the case.

But it’s a fine testament nonetheless to the power of humanity against all odds and the movie’s actually rather sweet-natured and very well established and endearing in its character interactions. The characters are much better developed than in your usual period pieces and the acting is very good across the board.

Admire subtle tones of adventure, comedy, exploration and unity woven into a powerful tale written by Ezo Monteleone.