The San Diego Italian Film Festival has its main festival in the fall but it holds screenings and events throughout the year. "Basilicata Coast to Coast" screens this Thursday at the Museum of Photographic Arts.
"Basilicata Coast to Coast" is a kind of road movie comedy set in southern Italy. The story centers on Nicola (director and star Rocco Papaleo) who enters his band in a music festival on the other side of Basilicata and comes up with the wacky idea of walking there in 10 days. It serves as a publicity stunt to get the band attention but it also proves to be a journey during which the band can bond together.
We've seen quite a few films set in the south and focusing on crime and political corruption, so this comedy offers a refreshing change of pace. I was unable to preview this 2010 Italian film so here's the description from the festival: "The untouched region of Basilicata stars in this engaging road movie with a heart and soul from actor-turned-writer/director Rocco Papaleo, known to Italian audiences for his Basilicata accent and comic genius.Against the sometimes barren landscapes, these extremely likeable characters and their relationships are revealed. Ultimately this is a lyrical, subtle and loving tribute to a little-known part of Italy, punctuated by a wonderful soundtrack of jazzy songs by Papaleo."
Sounds like a fun journey. Also be looking for the San Diego Italian Film Festival's April program of "A Series of Events Exploring the New Italian Documentary with Filmmaker and professor Marco Bertozzi."
"Basilicata Coast to Coast" screens at 7:00pm ay MoPA in Balboa Park. Admission is a suggested $5 donation.
