BARI – Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the iconic film Romanzo Criminale, director Michele Placido and author Giancarlo De Cataldo gathered at the Bari International Film & TV Festival (Bif&st) to reflect on the impact of their work. The film, which premiered in 2005, is based on De Cataldo's 2002 novel and tells the gripping story of the Banda della Magliana, a notorious criminal organization that terrorized Rome during the 1970s.
As the film was screened at the festival, an emotional Placido remarked, "I entered here to watch the final sequences... and I am moved. Accorsi, Scamarcio, all of them... they were all my children," highlighting the deep connection he feels towards the cast and the story. His voice thick with emotion, he added, "Even though it was a somewhat unfortunate film, today I am too happy to reveal more about that."
De Cataldo, who penned the original novel, noted the film's lasting legacy, stating, "It’s 'pure Placido': fathers (like him) must let their children go, and this child has been taken in a visionary direction... The novel begins in medias res – Freddo dies, and we go back to the beginning. It’s a bit more similar to the series." He also praised the casting of Kim Rossi Stuart as Freddo, admitting, "I would never have picked him for the role, but when I met him on set, I told him, 'he will always have his face.' It was an insight in line with Placido's love for actors, reminiscent of Bergman’s style.
Reflecting on the themes of the film, Placido shared his thoughts on the duality of Rome, saying, "Piazza Navona had both 'bad people' and artists. The destiny of Rome is to be narrated by provincials. I was convinced I had written a historical novel, while they always pointed out the strength of the characters. I could have written six novels with Libanese (a character from the story), who I had him die on page 152, certainly an epic death."
De Cataldo elaborated on the universal nature of criminal stories, suggesting that Romanzo Criminale could be adapted to other contexts, saying, "Many criminal stories are similar; in India, this could be adapted to Bollywood. With the film, we provided a turning point that was missing because after Lenzi and Di Leo, crime was absent in Italy. This story could be set in Bari with the clans of the old city or in Taranto with the Modeo."
Placido emphasized the importance of engaging storytelling in cinema, asserting, "Cinema is a popular art: everything can be done, but not boredom." He recounted his youthful experiences in Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori, saying, "When I was a student at the Academy, I often went to Piazza Navona or Campo de’ Fiori, where criminals had (fake) rag shops... it was a mixture, a truly special Rome. Giancarlo wrote a story rich in humanity, and in the film, the Caravaggesque light shines through because Caravaggio frequented those historic alleys."
During the discussion, De Cataldo reflected on the female perspective in the narrative, revealing how he added a love story to the novel based on a true account. "I received a suggestion from the editor, and I thought about it, so I included a love story: the sister of a boss falls in love with an undercover cop, who later tells her it was 'just work,' leading her to commit suicide. I found it dramatic and romantic; Patrizia (played by Anna Mouglalis in the film) is caught between the underworld and justice: Patrizia is Rome," he explained.
The Bif&st festival also showcased other notable works, including the series Fuochi d'artificio, which celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Liberation and is set to air on Rai Uno starting April 15, 2025. This series features a mix of swing and jazz songs, alongside partisan anthems, and reflects the festival's commitment to cultural storytelling.
Additionally, a new film featuring John Malkovich and Ayo Edebiri premiered at Bif&st 2025 and is set to hit cinemas on March 27, 2025. Meanwhile, Umberto Contarello's directorial debut is scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, with the protagonist stating, "I have nothing left to give, only something to say, perhaps."
As the festival continues to unfold, it has become a significant platform for celebrating not only Italian cinema but also the Mediterranean spirit. The fifth day of Bif&st featured prominent figures such as Sergio Rubini, who returned for a screening of his film Il viaggio della sposa and received the Arte del cinema award.
With the spotlight on both established and emerging talents, Bif&st serves as a reminder of the rich tapestry of stories that cinema can tell, bridging past and present, and reflecting the complexities of human experience. The festival's focus on the Mediterranean, underscored by installations like Franco Dellerba's, showcases the cultural dialogues that continue to thrive within the region.
