Michele Placido Reflects on Credibility and Social Commitment in Cinema
At the Taormina film festival, renowned Italian director Michele Placido shared his thoughts on the importance of credibility in politics and cinema, referencing a phrase from Rosario Livatino: “At the end of life we will not be asked if we were believers, but if we were credible”. This quote resonates deeply with Placido, who is working on a TV series about Livatino’s life and battle against the mafia.
Placido’s upcoming series, “The Judge and his Assassins”, tells the story of Rosario Livatino, a Sicilian magistrate who was beatified by Pope Francis in 2021 as a martyr killed “in hatred of the faith”. The series will explore Livatino’s methodology in fighting the mafia, which was in line with that of Falcone and Borsellino, focusing on the seizure of assets and bank accounts. Giuseppe De Domenico will play the role of Livatino in the series.
Michele Placido at the Taormina Film festival
A Legacy of Social Commitment
Placido’s career has been marked by a strong commitment to social issues, as evident in his first film, “Pummarò”, which dealt with the theme of gangmastering. He recalls being struck by the image of boys from Africa arriving illegally and being forced to work in inhumane conditions. This experience has shaped his approach to storytelling, focusing on the human aspect of social issues.
In addition to the series on Livatino, Placido is working on a project about Celestine V, a pontiff who was placed in Hell by Dante. The film, a Rai production, stars Placido as the 87-year-old pontiff, a role that he found challenging but rewarding. The story of Celestine V is a tragic one, with the great families of Roman cardinals using him as a transitional pontiff, only to be surprised by his unexpected longevity.
Michele Placido (center) in the role of Celestine V
A Call for Credibility and Action
Placido’s reflections on credibility and social commitment are particularly relevant in today’s world, where young people are afraid and world leaders seem to lack a genuine will for peace. He quotes Albert Einstein, saying: “I don’t know with what weapons the third world war will be fought, but the fourth will be fought with sticks and stones”. This warning highlights the need for urgent action and credible leadership.
Returning to the series on Livatino, Placido emphasizes the importance of understanding the mafia as a cultural phenomenon, rather than an isolated issue. He wonders how many politicians are truly credible, given the current state of affairs. This question is a call to action, encouraging readers to reflect on the importance of credibility and social commitment in all aspects of life.
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