13/01/2005 - Private by Saverio Costanzo which is released in Italian cinemas tomorrow, had surprised film critics for the power of expression of its director, not even turned thirty

“It’s been years since we saw such a beautiful and courageous film from an upcoming Italian filmmaker”. Private by Saverio Costanzo which is released in Italian cinemas tomorrow January 14th , had surprised film critics for the maturity and power of expression of its director, not even turned thirty but already with a strong background in documentary filmmaking. Twice awarded with the Golden Pardo and a Prize for Best actor to Mohamed Bakri at the last Locarno Film Festival, the film is co-produced by Institut Luce, Rai Cinema and Cydonia with a total budget of €1 million.
BR> Private has already been sold to over 35 territories including Israel. Based on a true story, it focuses on a Palestinian family forced to live with a patrol of Israeli soldiers. “I’ve met a Palestinian family in Gaza”, said the director. “The first floor of their house was occupied by Israeli soldiers, while they were forced to sleep o the ground floor. In the occupied territories, there on many stories like this one, but the difference here is in the personality of the Palestinian head of the family, an English teacher who convinces his whole family to put aside hatred against the occupiers in the household”. But those who will expect a political commitment from the director will be disappointed. “Of course, I can’t forget that Israel has occupied Palestinian territories, however Palestinians aren’t stainless people, if I recall the latest terrorist acts. My aim was to create a psycho-drama and to give Palestinian and Israeli actors the opportunity to live and act their own traumas of occupied people and occupiers”.

(Translated from Italian)