In Italy, you can be randomly selected by a computer and summoned at a day's notice for potential jury duty—including for major criminal cases. No wonder the 60 common citizens who cram inside the Milan Court of Assizes on a morning they should have been going to work look rather concerned and confused: they'll be stuck there until each of them has been interviewed and six jurors are chosen. The judge's assertion they need not worry about the Mafia does nothing to reassure them. With a Wiseman-esque, fly-on-the-wall look at this most noble of democratic institutions, and skilful close-ups that humorously capture the facial expressions of those waiting, Enrico Maisto creates a cacophonous chorus from their questions, comments, complaints and theories. Curious or exasperated, biased or apprehensive, these Italians brought together on the benches of justice offer a fascinating commentary on a little-known civic duty. Charlotte Selb
Co-presented with Italian Trade Commission and Istituto Italiano di Cultura.