DETROIT
March 26 to April 4, 2009
Detroit Institute of Arts, Wayne State University
and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
HOTEL MEINA
Friday, March 27
6:30 pm
General Lectures 150, Wayne State University
Saturday, April 4
6:30 pm
Modern Languages Building, Lecture Room II, University of Michigan
The film is based on actual events as recounted in the book of the same name by Marco Nozza. Lago Maggiore, September 1943. A group of sixteen Jewish Italians are guests at Hotel Meina, the property of Giorgio Benar, a Jew with a Turkish passport (thus making him the citizen of a neutral country in WWII). Following the September 8th armistice between Italy and the Allies, an SS unit commanded by Commander Krassler arrives at Meina. Two teenagers-in-love, Noa Benar and Julien Fendez, are torn apart by the brutal arrival of the Nazi squad. The Jews, held hostage in the Hotel, begin a week of waiting, terror and hope. It is a strange coexistence among Jews, non-Jewish hotel guests and SS soldiers. The Jews discuss the possibility of a escape, while the Germans await their orders. Perhaps for them the end of the war is near.
Director: Carlo Lizzani
Cast: Benjamin Sadler, Federico Costantini, Ursula Buschhorn
Year: 2007
Duration: 110 min.
Genre: Drama
Awards: 1 nomination
- Nominated Best Costume Design: David di Donatello
Official Italian Web Site:
Trailer:
Film courtesy of RAI Trade.
© RAI Trade