Life is Life

Inspired by a true story, this Italian box office hit from Riccardo Milani (A World Apart IFF24) sees two different sets of ideals collide on an unspoiled stretch of coastline in southern Sardinia. Efisio is a solitary shepherd who lives in the small house where he was born, a silent guardian of a time that seems to no longer exist. Meanwhile Giacomo (Diego Abatantuono), the president of a powerful Milanese real estate group, is determined to transform the picturesque coast into a luxury resort alongside construction site manager Mariano (Aldo Baglio) who is tasked with convincing Efisio to sell his land. Caught between these irreconcilable worlds is Efisio’s daughter Francesca (Virginia Raffaele), who is torn between the call of change and her deep attachment to her homeland. But when Efisio refuses yet another multi-million offer, negotiations turn into a legal battle. As pressure mounts and the community fractures, Efisio’s unwavering ‘no’ takes on collective meaning in this David versus Goliath tale about courage, cultural identity and the environment.

Born in Rome in 1958, Riccardo Milani is a director and screenwriter for film and TV. After time as assistant director for Mario Monicelli, Nanni Moretti, and more, he made his feature debut in 1994 with Good Luck Professor. His films include The Soul’s Place (2003), Like a Cat on a Highway 1 & 2 (IFF18 & IFF21) and A World Apart (IFF24).