HEARTS OF SALT
The back of the coin exists, always.
HEARTS OF SALT
When a British ornithologist arrives in Sicily to research the effects of climate change on migration, he witnesses a series of dramatic events. He will have to abandon his role as a detached observer, but it will be complicated.
"Hearts of Salt" takes you on a sizzling journey from icy northern landscapes to the sun-soaked coasts of Sicily and Tunisia. Gavin, our anti-hero, finds himself in a vibrant tale of passion, exploring the complex history of the island. Sicily, a melting pot of history and contradictions, challenges Gavin's understanding of a world far from his own. The film dives into modern Sicily, offering a fresh perspective beyond the clichés of Mafia-ridden narratives. As Gavin 'settles' into Sicilian life, he becomes a mirror for all of us, observers navigating a reality that constantly surprises and eludes. In this Sicilian borderland, the story unfolds with themes of inclusion, acceptance, and our connection with nature—making it a relevant and thought-provoking journey.
Genre
Feature Film
Nationality
ITA-UK
Year
2025
Location
Sicily (ITA), Bizerte (TUN), Wales (UK)
Language
English, Italian, French, Welsh, Arabic
Duration Season
100mins approx
Format:
4k, colour, 1:85.1
Produced by
Artimagiche, PFA Film, White (IT)
Webra Group, Blue Lions (UK)
Synopsis
Gavin Webster, a British ornithologist, is sent to Sicily to research migration and the effects of climate change near a hilly area on the coast. Having obtained permission to station on the private property of Don Alfonso Ravidà, Gavin meets the wealthy landowner's two daughters - Costanza, who manages the family's property, and Elena, angry and extraordinarily beautiful - and slowly his life becomes intertwined with that of the family. During his stay, he will be the sole witness to the tragic love story between Elena and Isam, a Tunisian fisherman, and the ambiguous relationships within the Ravidà family. Frustrated by his inability to understand this world full of contradictions and secrets, Gavin approaches Costanza in the hope of being able to decipher events beyond appearances. He goes to Bizerte with her, and although the relationship starts to become deep, unexpected events will cut it short when the search for the truth becomes too painful.
Starring
ALEXANDER VLAHOS
ELEONORA DE LUCA
ROBERTA RIGANO
FARES LANDOULSI
GAETANO ARONICA
SAVERIO SANTANGELO
MICHELE PERROTTA
FABIO ORSO
CARMEN GIARDINA
PARIDE BENASSAI
Writer/Director
ROSA RUSSO
Producers
SILVANA LEONARDI
Co-Producers
PIERFRANCESCO AIELLO
DEBRA WOOTTON
FRANCESCO ZIBELLINI
Executive Producer
BEN CHAI
Editor
ARTEMIDE ALFIERI
JULIAN RODD
Cinematographer
LUCIO CREMONESE
Production designer
ADOLFO RECCHIA
Costume Designer
GIUSEPPE AVALLONE
Sound Recordist
PIETRO GIGLIOROSSO
Composer
ANDREA CHIMENTI