The Kidnapping (Rapito), directed by the talented Italian filmmaker Marco Bellocchio. He competes at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2023. However, the historical events, this drama follows the struggle of a Jewish family. They recover their son who was kidnapped by the Catholic Church in 1858.
The story takes place in the Jewish quarter of Bologna. There the Pope’s soldiers burst into the Mortara family’s home to kidnap their seven-year-old son, Edgardo.
According to the cardinal, a wet nurse was secretly baptising the child. Therefore receive a Catholic education according to papal law. Edgardo’s devastated parents do everything in their power to get their son back. Also, their struggle quickly takes on a political dimension.
Therefore, we know director Marco Bellocchio for his bold and controversial films. In The Kidnapping (Rapito), he tackles themes such as religion. So the power and resistance in the face of injustice. The screenplay is co-written by Bellocchio himself and Susanna Nicchiarelli. It is promising a compelling and well-researched story.
Marco Bellocchio’s new film in competition at Cannes 2023 has been unveiled
The teacher Mark Bellocchio is ready to return to the red carpet of Cannes Croisette with his new film, Kidnapped. Posted in the official competition of the Festival starting in the next few weeks. After a first clip close to the announcement of the selection it has now been shown the official trailer.
The story is set in Italy in 1858. It revolves around the case of Edgardo Mortaraa Jewish child torn from his family of origin. For raising the child as a Catholic under the custody of Pope Pius IX. The case, despite the not exactly globalised era, has become international. Also, it is part of the history of the Italian Risorgimento and the clashes with the Church.

Freely inspired by “The Mortara case” by Daniele Scalise. However, Paolo Pierobon, Fausto Russo Alesi, and Barbara Ronchi Interpreted it. Also, from Aeneas Sala (Edgardo Mortara as a child) e Leonardo Maltese (Edgard boy) and Philip Timi And Fabrizio Gifuni. To complete the cast Andrea Gherpelli, Samuel Teneggi, and Conrad Invernizzi.
However, the screenplay is by Marco Bellocchio e Susanna Nicchiarelli with the collaboration of Edward Albinati And Daniela Ceselliand the historical advice of Pina Totaro. Also, the film is an IBC Movie and Kavac Film production with Rai Cinema. It is in co-production with Ad Vitam Production (France) and The Match Factory (Germany). AlsoBeppe Caschetto and Simone Gattoni produced it.
EFA Announces Prize For Marco Bellocchio & Unveils First Awards Nominations
The European Film Academy will honour Italian director March Bellocchio. Also, he will have the honour for his mini-series Exterior Night at its 35th European Film Awards ceremony on December 10 in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.
Therefore, The veteran filmmaker will receive the Award for European Innovative Storytelling for the drama. For exploring the case of the kidnapping and assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades in 1978.
So, the academy introduced the Innovative Storytelling category in 2020 to reflect the changes in the cinematic landscape.