THE FISHERMAN, THE ALIEN, THE SEA, 9min,. Italy
Directed by Elisabetta Zavoli
In June 2023, the population of blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) boomed unexpectedly in the Goro lagoon, Delta of Po River, Italy. Here, amidst the alarmed but inactive shouting of the entire community, a young fourth-generation fisherman, Alessio Tagliati, leader of a small cooperative of clams farmers that has lost all their production to the blue crabs’ voracity, faces this new environmental challenge by reviving a traditional sustainable fishing technique his grandfather taught him and by following what the sea taught him: being ready to adapt to an environment that continuously change, thus showing a tremendous spirit of resilience in the face of the collapsing of his world.

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Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?
I'm a freelance documentary photographer and filmmaker. In 2023, I investigated the invasion of alien species Atlantic blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) in the Mediterranean Sea thanks to the support of the National Geographic Society - Storytelling Grant. One of the outputs was a short film telling the impacts of the blue crabs invasion.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
I made this short film from July to October 2023, when I met Alessio Tagliati, the young fisherman, whose approach was the perfect subject for telling a positive story of human resilience and care for the environment.

3. How would you describe your film in two words?
Sea, Hope

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge was to find the ideal weather conditions to support the narrative.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?
I think the audience got the right message from my short film and this makes me very happy and accomplished.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
The short film was one of the outputs I have to produce for the National Geographic Society - Storytelling Grant but until July 2023 I haven't found yet the right subject for telling the story. When I found him, the story unfolded in front of my eyes.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?
The Piano by Jane Campion

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?
I think that live screening events where filmmakers can meet the audience are always the best!

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?
My experience was very good and FilmFreeway was very well organised.

10. What is your favorite meal?
I'm vegetarian, so any dish based on vegetables and fruits.

11. What is next for you? A new film?
I hope to be able to follow up the blue crabs invasion crisis in the lagoon and see how the whole community reacts.