The Interval

[L'intervallo]

Country: Italy/Switzerland/Germany Year: 2012 Duration: 90 mins Language: Neapolitan with English subtitles Genre Crime/Drama Director: Leonardo di Costanzo Cast: Salvatore Ruocco, Francesca Riso, Alessio Gallo Classification Exemption: 15+

17-year-old Salvatore, or Toto as he is nicknamed (Alessio Gallo), spends his days selling lemon crushed-ice from a cart in a run-down area of Naples. When he sets out for work on what appears to be a regular day, he is forcefully enlisted by the local Camorra boss, Bernardino (Carmine Paternoster, Gomorrah) to guard 15-year-old wild child Veronica (Francesco Riso) for the day in a dilapidated cavernous warehouse.

Toto is initially resentful, unaware of the reasons for being handed this task. Meanwhile Veronica outright loathes having to be there, expressing a passionate dislike for her babysitter. However, as the time passes, the relationship between the two develops into a mutual trust and understanding. They pass the time acquainting themselves with one another and exploring the labyrinth of expansive rooms, and wild, overgrown gardens. All the while, a certain doom hangs over them as they await the impending return of the boss and the fate that awaits Veronica.

Reflecting the omnipresent power of criminals that resides beneath the buff and shine of Silvio Berlusconi’s Italy, The Interval is deservedly receiving accolades worldwide, with aide of the insightful and nuanced performances from non-professional newcomers Gallo and Riso.

Australian Premiere
AWARDS / FESTIVALS:
2013 David di Donatello - Best New Director (winner)
,
2013 Locarno International Film Festival
,
2013 Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
,
2012 Venice Film Festival - Pasinetti Award (Best Film - winner); AIF - For Film Fest Award, CICT-IFTC Award, FEDIC Award, FIPRESCI Prize, Laterna Magica Prize (winner - all)
,
2012 Toronto International Film Festival
All non-English language films will screen in the festival with English subtitles.