Benzina

Synopsis

Vincenzo is a 47-year-old gas station attendant trapped in a life of obsessive-compulsive rituals and heavy silence, living under the literal shadow of a noose he keeps in his booth. Constantly harassed by two young bullies and isolated by his mental struggles, he endures every humiliation with passive resignation. However, his fragile equilibrium is shattered when a woman and her young son show him a rare moment of kindness. By defending him against his tormentors, she sparks an unexpected reaction in Vincenzo, finally forcing him to break out of his tragic alienation.

Festival elections

• San Diego Italian Film Festival (US): Best Feature Film (The Golden Ristretto Award)
  and Audience Award
• RIFF (Rome Independent Film Festival): RAI Cinema Channel Award Shortlist
• Reggio Film Festival – International Short Film Festival: FEDIC Award – Best Italian
  Short Film
• Maazemi Film Festival: Special Jury Prize
• IL – Italian London Short Film Festival (UK): Best Actor 35mm Film Festival: Best Editing and Best Actor
• BUSHO Film Festival (HU): Best Actor, Adriatic Film Festival: Best Cinematography
  and Best Editing
• Festival Internacional de Cortometrajes – Valdealgorfa (SP): Best Cinematography
• Ferrara Film Corto Festival: Best Actor

Details

SUPPORTED BY SHORT FILM FUND - TORINO PIEMONTE FILM COMMISSION and MIBAC DISTRIBUITED BY SAYONARA / Available on Chili TV and Play2000