Fiume o Morte!
This documentary brimming with anarchist spirit brings history to life as it tells the story of a Croatian town’s struggle against a fascist poet-dictator.
Whether Italian Gabriele D’Annunzio was a poet and a patriot or an invader and a fascist depends on if you ask the Italians or Croatians.
This humouristic and insightful essay film from the Croatian Igor Bezinović takes a critical stance on the story of the intertwined histories of the city of Rijeka and Gabriele D’Annunzio. Through rich archival material, the film illustrates D’Annunzio’s army arriving in Rijeka and his wishes to detonate the bridges between the Croatian and Italian side.
History is not only dusty books in Bezinović’s hands: years are seen through decorative tiles on house floors, and old pictures come to life with the help from amateur actors found on the street.
This unique film demonstrates that the wounds of history are still present. Black and white photos are shown alongside re-enacted scenes, which reminds us of the ghosts of the past. The names of the streets and town squares have been changed, but the locations still exist. The overall tone is playful, but for a contemporary viewer the movie is a stark reminder of the ease at which fascism can claw its way into a society and its destructive power. It is important not to forget our history with fascism, and Fiume o Morte! won’t let us forget.
Otto Kylmälä (translated by Johanna Järvinen)
Trailer
