Welcome to a cinematic exploration like no other. If you're seeking a story told through striking images, raw emotions, and thought-provoking symbolism, "Le città di pianura" may just capture your curiosity.

Presented in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, this film by Francesco Sossai brings a unique and powerful narrative to the screen—one that doesn't fit into any known category but stands out with a bold identity of its own.

A Film Beyond Labels

A Unique Work by Francesco Sossai

Directed by Francesco Sossai from Sedico, a small town in northern Italy, "Le città di pianura" reflects his deep connection to the Veneto region. The film offers more than just storytelling—it's a visual reflection of a landscape undergoing transformation.

Without using traditional plotlines, Sossai connects moments and characters in a loosely structured road journey that evokes emotional resonance and reflection.

A Visual and Emotional Mosaic

The film creates a surreal yet grounded atmosphere, capturing snapshots of daily life, fading traditions, and shifting landscapes. It avoids conventional genres, blending realism with a dreamlike tone. Everything in the frame—from color palettes to dialect—works in harmony to deepen the viewer’s connection to the characters and setting.

The Characters and Their Path

A Journey Through Northeast Italy

The story revolves around Carlobianchi, played by stage actor Sergio Romano, and Doriano, portrayed by Pierpaolo Capovilla, a first-time actor. These two middle-aged men represent a generation shaped by prosperity in the 1970s but left behind after the 2008 economic downturn.

They’re both comedic and tragic—two figures drifting through a world that no longer values them.

An Unexpected Companion

Their journey takes a turn when they meet Giulio (Filippo Scotti), a young architecture student. The trio travel through abandoned highways and quiet towns, reflecting the emptiness that now defines what was once a thriving region. In this forgotten corner of the country, the characters share insights, disillusionments, and brief moments of connection.

Symbolism and Reflection

The Disappearing Identity

Sossai uses visuals to showcase how rapid development and imported trends have erased local culture and traditions. The empty highways and soulless buildings symbolize lost community and isolation.

Once vibrant gathering places like traditional eateries have vanished, replaced by disconnected lifestyles.

Asking the Big Questions

Through Giulio’s outsider perspective, the film poses a crucial question: how can people live surrounded by so much history and not engage with it? The film does not preach, but it challenges viewers to rethink how environment and heritage are intertwined with personal and collective identity.

A Filmmaker with a Vision

A Lens on the Present Through the Past

Sossai draws inspiration from the idea that the past contains powerful energy for the future. He refers to this as the “revolutionary power of the past”—the ability of past memories, structures, and values to ignite new ideas.

His approach is both nostalgic and forward-looking, using the screen as a mirror to reflect and question societal changes.

Not Just a Film, but a Conversation

"Le città di pianura" is receiving notable attention at Cannes, not as a mainstream success, but as a whispered favorite among viewers and critics alike. Its impact grows through word-of-mouth, inviting discussions about what cinema can be and what stories deserve to be told.

To Conclude

Dear Lykkers, this film isn’t about plot twists or loud drama—it’s about discovery, reflection, and change. "Le città di pianura" offers a compelling cinematic experience for those who appreciate subtlety, atmosphere, and social insight. It’s a film that resonates quietly but deeply, offering new perspectives with each viewing.