03/09/2003 - A father-son relationship, and an industrial climate of dismissals. In his fourth film, Tavarelli looks at the hardships and the prospects for today’s working class

The closure of a chemical factory and the sacking of scores of workers are the backdrop for a family in shock, overcome by tension and worries. Liberi, by the director from Turin, Gianluca Maria Tavarelli, presented in Controcorrente, "wanted to show the search for freedom we all face every day , the attempt to break down the obstacles placed in our path, that we ourselves create", explains the director. "Freedom means different things to different people, but this doesn’t signify that one sort of freedom is more important or has more significance than another".

When he loses his job, the head of the family also loses his social and civil identity and he feels worthless in himself, and in the eyes of his son. This father-son relationship is at the heart of Tavarelli’s story. "The father’s loss becomes a rite of passage for the son – says the director – which makes him realise he has to make something of his life, and avoid ending his days in a factory. It’s a wish on behalf of all youngsters".

Two former workers from the Montedison factory were involved in the film. Their families and the inhabitants of Bussi (in the Pescara region) lived through a very similar situation in real life. "We wanted to put the men and women and their lives at the centre of the story". Tavarelli’s fourth film is produced by Fandango and Medusa Film and it will be distributed in Italy by Fandango from September 26.

(Translated from Italian)