Shooting the Mafia

Letizia Battaglia is an Italian photographer and feminist, known for her compelling photos of the impact of the Mafia on Italian society. She looks back over a turbulent career and personal life, during which she has constantly fought injustice and conservatism. In this mission, she spares neither herself nor her family. Battaglia also meets a number of former lovers, who still fall for this charismatic woman.

Documentary filmmaker Kim Longinotto interweaves the stories of the interviewees with personal films and photos of her protagonist and excerpts from Italian films that paint an evocative picture of the era. Battaglia’s photos of Mafia victims and their bereaved families, combined with news footage over the years, make it grimly clear that any romantic Godfather-inspired notion of Italian organized crime is an illusion. It’s a ruthless murder machine that continues to hold Italy in a terrorist stranglehold, under the pretext of honor and respect,