Ten years ago, director Claudia Tosi began filming the careers of two good friends and politicians in Italy: local councillor Daniela de Pietri and Deputy of Parliament Manuela Ghizzoni. A decade later, Tosi reunites them to reflect on the footage together. Surprised by images of their optimism in 2007 when they first challenged Berlusconi's power, neither could have predicted they'd end up fighting for democracy itself by 2018. Cameras witness the chauvinism and racism each struggled against at work and in the streets as they pursued their commitments to women's issues and workers' rights. They see the humour and support they shared to keep the fires for change alive. But their hope and progressive policies slowly dissolve as the seeds of an unexpectedly fierce populism take root. Winner of DOK Leipzig's Golden Dove for Best Documentary, this rousing censure of government tracks the irrevocably changed tone of politics not only in Italy, but the world. Myrocia Watamaniuk
Made In Italy program presented in partnership with the Italian Trade Commission and Istituto Luce-Cinecittà.