Vermiglio (Maura Delpero, Italy)

The Second World War is drawing to a close. A young refugee from southern Italy, Pietro, finds shelter in the barn. Everyone is eager to meet him, especially the eldest daughter of the household. But just as love begins to blossom between them, the story takes an unexpected turn. At the same time, the father, who is a teacher, realizes that he is no longer the sole decision-maker over life on the farm.

Vermiglio won three awards at the Venice International Film Festival and several Italian Donatello awards, including Best Film of the Year. Peter Bradshaw, critic at The Guardian, says: “It is wonderfully acted with unaffected naturalism by its cast of professionals and newcomers and plays an extravagant, almost shameless pizzicato on the audience’s heartstrings.”