JIFF: Elena’s War

This film is also showing at our sister cinemas, Classic Cinemas and Ritz Cinemas

Elena’s War

“...an impassioned film that recreates a tragic incident during the Holocaust with empathy.” – The Times of Israel

Australian Premiere

Based on true events, this Italian historical drama tells the true story of how one woman’s defiance challenged the fascist regime and saved lives during the Nazi occupation of Rome’s Jewish ghetto.

Between 1938 and 1943, Elena Di Porto—branded “the madwoman of Piazza Giudia” for her independence and scandalous rejection of social norms—repeatedly rebelled against the fascist forces occupying her community, earning her several arrests and forced psychiatric hospitalisation.

Working with the resistance as the Nazi regime tightens its grip on Rome, Elena uncovers intelligence of an impending roundup of the ghetto, threatening hundreds of lives. Faced with her greatest challenge yet, Elena must warn her neighbours of the impending horror.

Elena’s War celebrates the rebellion and resilience of a woman who dared to stand alone against a tyrannic regime, and whose extraordinary bravery became an act of heroism that history nearly forgot.

Rating

Unclassified 18+

Duration

95 min

Country

Italy

Language

Italian (English subtitles)

Cast

Micaela Ramazzotti, Giulia Bevilacqua, Valerio Aprea

Director

Stefano Casertano