Italy / 53’ / Colour / Mini DV / 2008

Genre Documentary
Director Nicole Leghissa
Screenwriter P.Rumiz, G.Pennacchi, N.Leghissa
Production company Tico Film Company, Settimarte
Website nicoleleghissa.org

Immersed in the historical background of the second half of the nineteenth century, the documentary investigates the events and the mystery surrounding the life and mission of Pietro Savorgnan di Brazzà, misunderstood in his home country and the only white man for whom an African capital is still named after, Brazzaville in Congo. As the young heir of an important family, he abandoned the comfortable life of social engagements and left Friuli to explore the unknown lands of Africa. A courageous explorer of the dark continent, a barefoot visionary, an idealistic aristocrat, Italian by birth but a French citizen, a man respectful of those he was colonizing, Pietro Savorgnan di Brazzà represents a kind of colonialism that was possible. A delicate subject which is more than ever relevant, (especially considering France’s embarrassment over the riots in the outskirts of Paris in 2005). This fascinating, historical reconstruction addresses colonialism, its origins and its deviations.

Supported for the Distribution