The Italian March 14, 2008

FLICS presents The Italian

Admission $5

Dir. Andrei Kravchuk, Russia, 2005, 99 min, PG-13

For most Russian orphans, the chance to be adopted is a dream come true. But six-year-old Vanya Solntsev has other hopes. After discovering that his mother is still alive, the abandoned boy teaches himself to read so he can learn her address from his personal files. Before a wealthy Italian couple can claim him for their own, Vanya sets off on a perilous journey to find his only remaining family. Pursued by corrupt orphanage staff and the police, the determined runaway must face the most difficult challenges of his young life in this incredible story inspired by true events. For all it’s gritty surfaces, The Italian is really a fairy-tale. Vanya’s quest is primal and his heart is pure Kolya Spiridonov as Vanya commands attention without pandering or appealing to pity. In his feature film debut, director Kravchuk addresses with intelligence and poignancy the urgent issue of illegal adoption in Russia.

In Russian with English subtitles.

Official Website: http://www.flics.org