Era d'estate

Judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino would eventually fall at the hands of Italy’s Cosa Nostra in 1992. However, before that, in 1985, they were preparing for the ‘Mafia Maxi Trial’ when a tip-off of a planned attack against their families sees them taken to an island in Sardinia to wait out the threat. This situation, somewhere between a forced vacation and witness protection, sees the men delve further into their work, the retreat allowing them to hone their case. Fate, however, is not to be escaped, and all too soon danger returns.

Directed by Fiorella Infascelli, Era d'estate leans on a strong ensemble — Giuseppe Fiorello, Massimo Popolizio, Valeria Solarino — 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 drama titles of 2016.