Cortile Cascino

This documentary was produced in 1961 but remained suppressed and never broadcast on network television. It provides an unflinching look at the Cortile Cascino neighborhood, where poverty and early death are constants. The film explores the dynamics between the church and the Mafia, revealing how both entities compete for the loyalty of the residents.

The established church neglects its parishioners while expressing outrage over a faith healer’s popularity. On the other hand, the Mafia operates an illegal slaughterhouse and controls funeral concessions, yet also provides food to the district’s hungry. Amidst this adversity, women emerge as the stabilizing force of the community. A poignant sequence depicts the burial of a malnourished baby, underscoring the severe hardships faced by the inhabitants.

The filmmakers utilize a soundtrack made up of recorded comments from the locals, adding an authentic voice to the narrative. Cortile Cascino is a significant work for those interested in documentary cinema and social issues.