La cantata dei pastori

Razzullo is a scrivener hired by the Emperor Augusto to take a census of all the Empire citizens, who is keeping on looking for stratagems which allow him to satisfy his hunger. On his way he runs into Sarchiapone, his looney countryman, barber and violin scraper, on the run because he has cheated a gangster. They handle together many vicissitudes in order to earn some money to buy something to eat. In the meanwhile, Mary and Joseph are travelling looking for a place in which waiting for Baby Jesus' birth, pursued by Plutone, Lord of underworld, and the four little devils in his service.

Directed by Nicola Barile, La cantata dei pastori leans on a strong ensemble — Riccardo Polizzy Carbonelli, Antonello Gargiulo, Lucio Allocca — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about animation titles of 2012.