Edoardo Winspeare's 'La vita in comune' at Venezia 74

At the 74th Venice International Film Festival, Edoardo Winspeare presented 'La vita in comune', a film set in the fictional Southern Italian town of Disperata. The story follows melancholic mayor Filippo Pisanelli, who finds solace in poetry and teaching literature to prisoners. The narrative intertwines the lives of the mayor, a repentant criminal named Pati, and a man aspiring to become the local boss. Winspeare, who hails from the real town of Depressa in the same region, drew inspiration from his own background. The film explores themes of beauty, redemption, and community, blending irony with utopian elements. Winspeare described Disperata as located in the 'Finis Terrae d'Italia' or 'south of the south of the Saints', emphasizing its originality. The director noted a petition to rename Depressa to 'Ridente' or 'Felicità' was rejected by residents who preferred the original name. The film premiered at the festival in September 2017.