Sergio Rubini directs and stars in this offbeat dramedy alongside southern favourite Rocco Papaleo
(Basilicata Coast to Coast LIFF11), as two men whose unexpected run-in results in the unlikeliest of friendships.
In a neighbourhood on the outskirts of Taranto, high upon the rooftops framed by the Ilva steel factory, we meet Tonino (Rubini) a.k.a. “Barboncino” (poodle). Tonino has just committed a robbery and, in a moment of foolishness, fled from his accomplices, taking the entire loot for himself. He escapes upward, clambering from roof to roof, until he can go no further and must take refuge in an old water tank. Here he finds Renato (Papaleo), a strange and eccentric man who believes he is an American Indian from the Sioux tribe. Trapped with no other choice, Tonino is forced to team up with Renato. A strange and crazy friendship is formed, and Tonino learns to see things from a very different perspective.
Director
Sergio Rubini
Rubini is a prolific Italian actor, director and screenwriter, having worked on many projects in Italy and abroad. He has appeared in Federico Fellini’s Intervista (1987) and in Anthony Minghella’s Talented Mr Ripley (2004). His directorial credits include La Stazione (1989), which won both a Nastro D’Argento award and David di Donatello award for best debut film.
