19/05/2003 - Created for TV, Giordana’s 6-hour film about the socio-political changes experienced by Italy over the last forty years

The last forty years of Italian history condensed into almost six hours. La Meglio Gioventù by Marco Tullio Giordana, scheduled today in Un Certain Regard, is a sort of Italian Heimat. A contemporary history of Italy as seen through the eyes and the lives of two brothers. Initially they share the same dreams, hopes and friendships until a chance encounter with a mentally disturbed girl changes both their destinies. A film abuot the political passions and social tension that Italy experienced from the ‘60s to the present day.

Giordana described this film as “A great story. Compared to a normal film of between 90 minutes' to two hours’ duration, the sheer length of this film allows you to tell a number of stories together. Rather like a great novel.”

Produced by Angelo Barbagallo to be screened on TV in four episodes, La meglio gioventù was never broadcast by Rai 1. However, the film is screening in one of the world’s most important showcases and perhaps a theatrical distribution. “A number of doubts are normal for a six-hour film: Will it be too long? And boring? I don’t think it is, but we are still looking for a distributor.”