Film: Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (Rapito)

Dante Winter 2025 FILM Series: Chain Reaction/Reazione a catena

With the patronage of the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco

Series description:

A single decision can set off a chain reaction with profound consequences. This season’s films follow protagonists living during pivotal eras of Italian history whose lives are unexpectedly changed by the far-reaching consequences of a decision. Set in the 19th century and in post-war Rome, these dramatic art films invite us to consider how historical circumstances shape our lives and how our choices create effects that ripple through history.

The February film is:  Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara (Rapito). Directed by Marco Bellocchio, 2023. 

Collaboration with the Santa Cruz Jewish Film Festival

Trailer: https://youtu.be/RQtHswh0RLo?feature=shared

From one of Italy's most revered directors, Marco Bellocchio, comes Kidnapped, the true story of Edgardo Mortara. Mortara was a young Jewish boy living in 19th Century Bologna, Italy, who, after being secretly baptized, was forcibly taken from his family by the Pope, to be raised Catholic. His parents’ struggle to free their son became part of a larger political battle that pitted the papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification.

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All films in Italian with English subtitles.

Logan Walker, film lecturer from UCSC & Director of Programming, Santa Cruz Film Festival, will introduce and field questions about all films.

Street parking is free or you can pay for parking in the closest parking lot "L" near the Music and Theater buildings / pay at the kiosk machine.