The Sicilian girl: a movie about a searing drama and true event

August 4, 2010 1:00 pm

to

August 17, 2010 11:30 pm

The U.S. theatrical premiere of Marco Amenta’s THE SICILIAN GIRL, begins on Wednesday, August 4. The film is based on the true story of Rita Atria, a 17-year-old Sicilian whose father and brother were both Mafia members (and victims), who breaks the vow of silence – omerta – that enshrouds her world. In 1991, during a period when the Mafia was under increasing pressure from the Italian judicial system, Rita gives evidence to famed anti-Mafia judge Paolo Borsellino. Drawing upon the young woman’s extensive diaries, Marco Amenta tells her story, beginning in Sicily in 1985 when, as a small child, she experienced her beloved father as a respected member of the community – a man to whom neighbors would turn for help when a rapacious landlord orders their eviction. Soon after, he’s shot dead in the sun-drenched village square as his daughter looks on. Six years later, her brother is murdered. In court, Rita’s words are denounced as “the ravings of a fanatical adolescent bent on revenge.” But are they? Amenta underlines the extraordinary courage of his protagonist by including a documentary glimpse of the real-life Rita during the film’s final moments.

Trailer with English subtitles

THE SICILIAN GIRL will have a 2-week engagement, August 4-17, at Film Forum, West Houston Street (W. of 6th Avenue), with screenings daily at 1:00, 3:15, 5:30, 7:45, 10:00.

Filmmaker Marco Amenta has made several documentaries about the Sicilian Mafia, including one on Rita Atria’s story, ONE GIRL AGAINST THE MAFIA: DIARY OF A SICILIAN REBEL, which had its U.S. theatrical premiere at Film Forum in 2002, and THE GHOST OF CORLEONE (2006), about the manhunt for Bernardo Provenzano, the capo di tutti capi (boss of all bosses).

An enlightening factual and atmospheric account of large-scale corruption and individual courage. – Sunday Times (Australia)

Highly recommended. Engrossing. As entertaining as any Hollywood thriller.” – The Dominion Post (New Zealand)

THE SICILIAN GIRL (2008, 110 mins.) Directed by Marco Amenta. Produced by Raphael Berdugo, Tilde Corsi, Gianni Romoli, Simonetta Amenta, Marco Amenta. Written by Marco Amenta & Sergio Donati. Director of Photography: Luca Bigazzi. Editor: Mirco Garrone. Cast: Veronica D’Agostino (Rita), Gérard Jugnot (the Judge), Miriana Faja (young Rita), Marcello Mazzarella (Don Michele), Mario Pupella (Don Salvo). Italy/France. In Italian with English subtitles. A Music Box Films release.

Film Forum