Broken dream

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Broken dream

Broken dream

original title:

Broken dream

directed by:

cast:

Zakia Seddiki Attanasio

cinematography:

editing:

production:

Nanof, Rai Documentari, Cinétévé, Red House, France Télévisions

country:

Italy / France

year:

2023

film run:

72'

format:

colour

release date:

25/02/2024

festivals & awards:

  • Monte-Carlo Television Festival 2024: Special Jury Prize
  • Shanghai Television Festival 2024

Broken Dream is a documentary that recounts the tragic death of Italian ambassador Luca Attanasio, which occurred on February 22, 2021, in Virunga National Park, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Attanasio, along with his Carabiniere escort Vittorio Iacovacci and Congolese driver Mustapha Milambo, falls victim to a brutal attack by an armed gang. The film provides an intimate look into Attanasio's life, an unconventional and idealistic diplomat passionate about Africa and his mission to bring aid to one of the world's richest yet most devastated regions.
The documentary chronicles the emotional voyage of Zakia to RD Congo, for the first time, two years after the tragedy. Driven by a profound desire to understand her husband's motivations and honor his memory, Zakia embarks on a journey to the places Luca once traversed and meets people who shared significant parts of Luca's life, adding fragments to the portrait of an extraordinary man.
The film highlights the difficulty and significance of forgiveness, tackled by Zakia, who decides to attend the trial of those accused of the killings and later works to honor Luca's memory by continuing the humanitarian work they started together.
We delve into the broader socio-political landscape of the Congo, shedding light on the ongoing conflicts, exploitation, and systemic injustices that plague the region. Through Zakia's intimate exploration, the film examines the resilience of the Congolese people in the face of adversity and the transformative power of compassion in healing collective wounds.