Toronto-based sales agent Syndicado Film Sales has acquired international rights to German director Caroline von der Tann's Naples-set doc The Gospel According to Ciretta ahead of its world premiere at the Thessaloniki Intl. Documentary Film Festival. In The Gospel According to Ciretta, the titular character, Ciretta, is a young petty crook and occasional male prostitute who is deeply religious and cocooned in a fantasy world of adoration for a beloved statue of the Madonna.
Blessed with an extraordinary voice and performing talent, Ciretta decides to organize a big procession for his beloved Madonna and starts raising money by singing and performing on the streets and selling lighters, according to the doc's provided synopsis. However, devastating news arrives as his makeshift home in a temporarily closed down theater in the historic center of Naples has been sold, and its new owner wants to turn it into yet another bed and breakfast in the city's historic center.
In her director's notes, von der Tann highlights that Ciretta, being a product of the social media generation, ignored the traditional rule of not acknowledging the camera during shooting. This unique approach creates a new dynamic look that aligns with the social media era, adding a fresh perspective to the documentary.
Von der Tann presents Naples in The Gospel According to Ciretta as a mystic fairy tale set between the real and the imagined, steering away from the cliché image associated with gritty crime series like 'Gomorrah.' The director emphasizes the city's immense poetic and cultural quality, aiming to showcase a different side of Naples often overlooked in mainstream narratives.
The documentary is produced by Antonella Di Nocera's Naples-based Parallelo 41 Produzioni, known for its diverse portfolio of films that capture unique aspects of Italian culture and society. The Gospel According to Ciretta is set to premiere in Thessaloniki's Open Horizons section, offering audiences a glimpse into Ciretta's captivating journey and the enchanting backdrop of Naples.
With von der Tann's distinct storytelling style and the compelling narrative of Ciretta, this documentary promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of faith, identity, and the power of human resilience in the face of adversity.
For a sneak peek into the world of The Gospel According to Ciretta, watch the trailer below.
