Falling in Love at Wartime

North American Premiere

November 1942. The paths of a man and a woman cross in a village in Southeast France occupied by the Italian army: Federico Strobino is an Italian officer; Rima Dridso Levin is a Jewish woman of Russian origins who, alongside her sister Vera, fled across Europe seeking refuge from the Nazis. And remarkably it is love at first sight for Federico and Rima. In that area, relatively safe from the Germans and the Vichy regime, a connection arises that transcends the tragedy that brought them there. It is an unimaginable haven of peace amid a suffering Europe that lasts until September 8th, 1943, when the armistice is signed with Italy. With the Germans arriving and Italian soldiers fleeing, the Jews suddenly find themselves surrounded by danger at all corners. Most are arrested and deported to Auschwitz, though a few manage to hide. Federico is forced to return to Italy and manages to smuggle Rima with him. Danger looms everywhere, but miraculously he succeeds in saving all his loved ones.