KIDNAPPED-FR

Event date(s): November 18, 2024
Time(s): 07:30 PM - 09:30 PM
Category: Fredericton
Location: Fredericton

The Monday Night Film Series presents KIDNAPPED: THE ABDUCTION OF EDGARDO MORTARA on Nov. 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Tilley 102, UNB. 

Based on a true story that spanned two decades. In 1858, Edgardo Mortara, a young Jewish boy living in Bologna, Italy was secretly baptized by his nurse, then forcibly taken from his family to be raised as a Christian. According to canon law, his indoctrination into Christianity branded him a child of Christ, meaning that he was to be raised as a Catholic in Rome.

Marco Bellocchio’s historical drama boldly confronts the indelible damages inflicted by Pope Pius IX (Paolo Pierobon) as he sought to cement the legacy of the Catholic Church. As Edgardo’s parents grapple with their recent tragedy, Edgardo silently assumes his role as political pawn. His parents' struggle to free their son became part of a larger political battle that pitted the papacy against forces of democracy and Italian unification.

A testament to the insidiousness of systemic abuse, Kidnapped illuminates the tragedy of unchecked power exploited by men. It upholds the importance of separating church and state, serving as a painful reminder that authoritarianism is a dangerous road soaked with the tears of its countless victims.

 “Kidnapped is an expertly paced, gorgeously shot and evocative true story of faith, family, and the power of people coming together to right deeply ingrained wrongs.” Barry Levitt, Empire Magazine

This term, 14 limited release, independent foreign & Canadian films will be shown. Admission is $10/film, but a half-yearly $12 student film society membership reduces admission cost to $7/film. The series is open to all. Memberships are available at Tilley 102 every Monday night.

For further info, contact NB Film Co-op 455-1632  info@nbfilmcoop.com or visit our website.

The NB Film Co-op in partnership with the UNB Faculty of Arts and the Toronto Film Festival presents the series.

Building: Tilley Hall

Room Number: Room 102