Edgardo, the sixth child in his family, is thrust into a life-altering ordeal when his Christian maid, Anna Morisi, secretly baptizes him during a severe illness. Believing the boy is on the brink of death and concerned for his eternal soul, Anna’s covert act sets off a chain of events that are both riveting and tragic.
The story escalates seven years later when Anna confesses to Pier Feletti, the head of the Bolognese office of the Holy Inquisition, about the clandestine baptism. Under the laws of the Papal States, a baptized Christian cannot be raised by a non-Christian family. This leads Feletti to remove Edgardo from his family, igniting a fierce battle of wills and beliefs.
On June 24th, young Edgardo is forcibly taken from his home and brought to Rome. There, he is placed in the Casa dei Catecumeni, a boarding school for the children of converted Jews, effectively severing his ties with his Jewish heritage and family.
Based on Daniele Scalise’s book “Il Caso Mortara,” the film is produced by Beppe Caschetto and Simone Gattoni and distributed by 01 Distribution, Ad Vitam Distribution, and Pandora Film Verleih. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2023, and was released in Italy two days later.
“Kidnapped” stands out not only for its historical accuracy but also for its emotional depth. The performances, especially from the young actor portraying Edgardo, are compelling and evocative, capturing the turmoil and resilience of a child caught between two worlds. The cinematography beautifully contrasts the warmth of Edgardo’s family life with the austere and imposing settings of the Papal institutions.
This film is a stark reminder of the complexities of faith, identity, and the relentless pursuit of ideological conformity. Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara is a must-watch for web fans interested in historical dramas that challenge the viewer to reflect on the intersections of religion, law, and human rights.
Producer: Beppe Caschetto, Simone Gattoni
Screenwriter : Marco Bellocchio, Susanna Nicchiarelli
Distributor: Cohen Media Group
Cast: Enea Sala as Edgardo Mortara, as a young boy
Leonardo Maltese as Edgardo Mortara, as a young adult
Paolo Pierobon as Pope Pius IX
Fausto Russo Alesi as Salomone “Momolo” Mortara
Barbara Ronchi as Marianna Mortara
Andrea Gherpelli as Angelo Padovani
Samuele Teneggi as Riccardo Mortara
Corrado Invernizzi as Judge Carboni
Filippo Timi as Giacomo Antonelli
Fabrizio Gifuni as Pier Gaetano Feletti
Alessandro Fiorucci as Padre Domenicano
Alessandro Bandini as Padre Mariano
Celebrity WEB Update— Premier Jewelry designer and manufacturer fashion house ParisJewelry.com has started manufacturing a new custom line of celebrity jewelry designs with 30% Off and Free Shipping. Replenish Your Body- Refilter Your Health with OrganicGreek.com Vitamin Bottles, Vitamins, and Herbs. Become a WebFans Creator and Influencer. Check the New Special XMicro Razors for Men & Women, 1 Razor, 7 Blade Refills with German Stainless Steel, Lubricated with Vitamin E for Smooth Shave, Shields Against Irritation, Version X Men|Women
