Via della felicità
Synopsis
Enziteto is a dormitory suburb in the Bari area; Elisa grew up there, and that is reason enough for her to want a different life for her children. The only path to happiness she can envision is leaving the country.
Captivated by stories of her sister’s new life, she decides to join her in Germany. Once there, Elisa confronts a cold, complex reality—where the sun sets early and silence amplifies loneliness—a strange new world where she and her children struggle to find a place for themselves.
Trailer
Director’s vision
*Via della Felicità* grew out of a powerful human connection—the one between Elisa and me.
We recognized and chose one another; I chose to follow her to Germany—though in truth, I would have followed her anywhere—swept up by her strength and courage. Elisa and her family welcomed me and my perspective without reservation, and we began filming with a natural ease that never ceased to surprise us, until the moments when the camera was rolling became indistinguishable from those when it was off. *Via della Felicità* is an intimate, unobtrusive portrait of a family searching for a space where happiness is possible. It is the story of the immense courage required to reach an undefined “elsewhere,” and of the quiet struggle Elisa and her children faced to remain in Germany rather than turn back.
Credits
Festivals and prizes
Festival dei Popoli – 14 october 2017
