A Journey through Emilia-Romagna: Screening Schedule

Directors Mario Bonetti adn Giovanni Zanotti are embarking on a tour of Emilia-Romagna to present their poignant docufilm, The night of the Red Count. The film recounts the devastating loss of life when the Count Rosso, requisitioned as a troop transport, was sunk by a British submarine on May 24, 1941, off the coast of Syracuse. The sinking resulted in the deaths of 1,297 soldiers.

Audiences will have the prospect to engage with the directors at the following screenings:

• Cinema Orione: Tomorrow at 9 PM
• Multisala Alladin in Cesena: may 6, with screenings at 7 PM and 9 PM
• Astoria Multiplex in Forlì: May 7, screening at 9 PM
• Multiplex Abundance in Gambettola (Forlì-Cesena): May 8, screening at 9 PM

Reconstructing a Lost Narrative: Voices of Remembrance

The Night of the Red Count meticulously pieces together the events surrounding the tragedy through a combination of narration, archival footage, and, most importantly, firsthand accounts. Luca BassiS narration guides viewers through the harrowing tale, while the film’s emotional core lies in the testimonies of those directly affected.

Central to the documentary is the testimony of Corrado Codignoni, a 103-year-old survivor of the sinking and a veteran of the Russian campaign. His recollections, along with those of Marco Montagnani and Concetta Santangelo, relatives of victims who have dedicated years to researching and reconstructing the events, provide a deeply personal and moving perspective on the disaster.

Codignoni is the last living person on the ship that night. His testimony, together with that of the relatives of the victims, is a shocking story, made of memories, courage and tears.

Mario Bonetti and Giovanni zanotti, Directors of “the Night of the Red Count”

the Weight of Silence: Uncovering a Suppressed History

The directors emphasize the historical significance of The night of the Red Count, highlighting the efforts by the fascist regime to suppress the details of the Count Rosso tragedy. This suppression, they argue, has led to the event being largely forgotten in italian history.

The film aims to rectify this historical oversight by bringing the stories of the victims and survivors to light, ensuring that their sacrifices are remembered. The project has garnered support from organizations such as the Institute of the Blue Ribbon among the fighters decorated with military valor, of the National Association between mutilated and invalids of war and the National Association of fighting and Reduci.

Keywords

Emilia-Romagna, The night of the red count, docufilm, Mario Bonetti, Giovanni Zanotti, Corrado Codignoni, Italian history, World War II, tragedy, Count Rosso.