London Film Festival 2011: Europa

PRETTY much whatever your nationality this year’s London Film Festival should have a film that covers a place that you might be more familiar with. It also gives cinema goers a chance to see films that would not ordinarily play at their local multiplex or even independent picture house. Showing as part of their ‘Europa’ schedule ‘a cinematic journey across a continent’ is Corpo Celeste set in Southern Italy. 

Corpo Celeste
Corpo Celeste tells the tale of Marta, a young girl who moves with her family from Switzerland to live in a poor region of Southern Italy. As Marta is nearing her Catholic conformation ceremony the film explores her settling in to a small community where much of her existence revolves around religious practices. Although still a young girl Marta is quite independent and quite rebellious at times. The movie throws into question the notion of children having to take their confirmation vows at an age when many do not fully appreciate what Catholicism really means. This is evident in regular classes that Marta and other children have to attend to learn about religion. As confirmation day approaches Marta becomes increasingly inquisitive on a life outside of the narrow confines of religious conformity of which she does not fully understand or care for. The movie also seems to make subtle nods to the not to impartial nature of the church in local politics and of the attitudes towards the role of women in the church. The run down area of high rises, concrete and decay where Marta and her family live is showed in contrast to more scenic parts of Southern Italy, one of mountains and the sea. The film might be a little laborious and rambling for some viewers but it warrants a measure of credit nonetheless.     

Corpo Celeste is showing on the 23 and 25 October at the London Film Festival