«There is an alternative to deportations, to agreements with so-called third countries, to Libyan concentration camps and massacres like those of Cutro or Roccella Ionica. And this alternative is called humanity.“. This was stated, according to a note, by the mayor of Riace and MEP Domenico “Mimmo” Lucano spoke at the Reggio FilmFest, «Millennial Movie» short film competition. Lucano is the protagonist of the short film chosen by the jury of president Vincent Riotta as «best short film – Rhegion Award», «Riace, Mediterraneo».
The film, by Damiano Bedini, retraces, transforming the images into cartoons and in 18 minutes, the story of the mayor and MEP, from the story of the “Riace model”, a symbol of welcome and integration, to Lucano’s judicial fate. Invited on stage by the host Vicky Catalano and the artistic director of the Festival Antonio Flamini, Lucano said: “I thank those who wanted to accompany me on this journey towards utopia. Events followed one another and I returned to being mayor of Riace”. “The message in my imagination – he added – is this: I wanted to tell that there is an alternative to the Libyan concentration camps, to the deportations to Albania, to inhumanity. I had this role only because I found myself mayor at the time of that first landing of migrants. It is as if the events had overwhelmed me, but the real protagonists are the sense of welcome and solidarity that characterize the villages where the houses do not have keys and the concept of ownership and selfishness are cancelled out. And there is the sensitivity, in front of people in difficulty, of not turning away. This is the essential message to counteract the closing of consciences”. Wim Wenders – who shot a film in Riace about the experience of hospitality and whose words conclude the short film that won the award – “gave me hope – said Lucano – and the desire to continue fighting”.