“The camera team was awarded unusually privileged access, and there’s plenty of nail biting all around in this handsomely made production” Variety
A sensitive documentary film about the passionate struggle of an Italian community in Siena to win the town’s annual event: Il Palio.
The honor and respect of the district are at stake, as they have not won for years. The young need to feel the glory of a victory coursing through their veins in order to be truly proud of their roots.
All the year round we follow a few members of the Civetta ‘clan’ closely, who have dedicated their lives to their district. From Egidio, the 92-year-old sage, to 21-year-old Paolo, who grooms the horse and is totally committed. Only four days before the race, a lottery decides which horse is selected for the district. This horse is then paraded through the city as if it were a god. It symbolizes Fate that will decide the future of the district.
The Last Victory is about the hopes and the fluctuating fortunes of a small but passionate community. It reflects the different layers of Italian society: its traditions, its religion, its politics, and its love of sport.
With Paolo Rossi, Egidio Mecacci, Alma Savini, Roberto Papei, Camilla Marzucchi and Alessandro Calderan
Direction
John Appel
First assistant director
Niccolò Bruna
Produced by Carmen Cobos and Judith Vreriks for Cobos Films
in association with IKON
Cinematographer
Erik van Empel
Editing
Mario Steenbergen
Soundtrack
Wouter van Bemmel
Web
http://cobosfilms.nl/portfolio/the-last-victory/
Contact
info@cobosfilms.nl
Available on Amazon (link) in Italian O.V., subtitles in English
Watch it on Vimeo (low quality, link) with English subtitles
International Awards:
Nominated for European Film Award, best documentary (2004)
Best Film at the Ismailia Festival (Egypt, 2004)
Grand Prix at Krasnogorsky Festival (Russia, 2004)
Golden Calf for Best Long Documentary (Netherlands, 2004)