EFF: The Legionnaire

“A sensitive film highlighting the ambiguities inherent to a nation which is still trying to find itself.” — Cineuropa

There’s a battle raging in Rome right now. Thousands of desperate people are forced to occupy empty buildings in order to have a roof over their heads. The police are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding the law and stopping this from happening. Daniel, born in Rome of African parents, grew up in an occupied building. Many years ago he decided to leave and make a life for himself, but now he is forced to go back as a policeman with the mobile task force. His job is to evict the building where his mother and his brother still live and have become leaders of the occupation movement. Daniel will have to choose: remain faithful to his police corp or save his family from eviction. 

This timely and potent film looks at issues of race and class in modern Italian society to create a tense and thrilling drama, inspired by the filmmaker’s own experiences as an immigrant living in Italy. 

Melbourne screenings presented by Istituto Italiano di Cultura di Melbourne. 

Sydney screenings presented by Istituto Italiano di Cultura.

Rating

E

Language

Italian (English subtitles)

Cast

Germano Gentile, Maurizio Bousso, Ilir Jacellari, Giancarlo Porcacchia, Marco Falaguasta

Director

Hleb Papou