“THALASSA – Men and the Sea”, directed and produced by Gianluca Agati, (ITA, 26′, 2012) is a documentary offering a glimpse into Siracusa’s history, where the fumes from chemical and petrochemical industries and the relics of ancient tuna fisheries form the background to the stories of fishermen, fishmongers and marine historians.
The work shines a light on the profound economic, social and environmental transformation which Siracusa has experienced since the 1950s, and promotes a return to the consumption of less exploited marine species, which although out of favour with modern consumers, are cheap, nutritious and were a common sight on the tables of older generations.
The project has reinforced its environmental and social message by rejecting all forms of merchandising, making the film available free and accessible to everybody via the website: www.uominiemare.com.
This documentary has been dedicated to Fernando Pereira (1950 – 1985) Greenpeace Activist and Photographer who drowned when French intelligence (DGSC) sabotaged and sank the Rainbow Warrior ship.
I was just in Siracusa a couple of months ago and was able to visit the Ortigia Market and the many fishmongers there including Fratelli Cappuccio, which I recognize in this video, among others.
This is an amazing documentary, thank you for posting it. I recognize so many things here, and many people as well and learned a great deal.
It seems I was lucky to see some of the fish at the market that day, including the pilot fish (nfànfaru) that is becoming so scarce.
Photos of the market and many fish are here:
http://goo.gl/s8TS9
Thank you again,
-Nate
I am glad to have viewed this documentary on the fishing situation in Sicily, I found it to be very informative. I was saddened however to see another one of the old traditional ways of life changing. I had no idea of the quantities and species of fish being taken there. What has happened to our world? What has happened to taking just enough.