Sixty-five films from all over the world were shown during the 23rd edition of the Innsbruck Nature Film Festival (INFF), which took place from 9-13 October. One of these films, directed by Philipp Landauer, was a story about a sumpter – a mule-keeper – in Italy titled “Piemont –Mit Mulis über Stock und Stein”.
The documentary is set in Chiusa di Pesio, a small village in the region of Piedmont (Italy). It tells the story of Luciano Ellena, who is pursuing his life’s passion after leaving life in the city: taking care of mules, who over the past 20 years, have become Luciano’s loyal companions. They help transport food and goods in mountainous areas, such as to the nearby mountain hut “Morelli Buzzi” managed by Paolo Giraudo, also a gifted woodcarver. Luciano also started a school for the next generation of sumpters to learn the profession.
The Alpine Convention was delighted to award the film with its prize for “Best Film on the Topic of Quality of Life in the Alps” at the INFF! It was one of the Special Awards at the festival, and aimed at shining a light on how special the Alps are. The Alpine Convention wanted to highlight a positive story about the joy that can be found working and living in the beautiful environment of the Alps.
The jury that nominated the film for the Alpine Convention Special Award felt that its “emotional portrayal of the protagonists gives a rare insight into a passion for a profession that is nearly extinct”. Furthermore, the film takes viewers on a journey during which they learn a lot about mules and the deep connection between animals, humans, and nature.
Both directors of the film, Philipp Landauer and Davide Michelis as well as the two protagonists, Luciano and Paolo, accompanied by Luciano’s canine assistant Magic, travelled to Innsbruck for the award ceremony and the screening of their film. The Permanent Secretariat was honoured to welcome Davide, Luciano, and Paolo to our offices, where they had a chance to share their unique story with the team and learn more about the work of the Convention.
“The Alpine Convention has been a long-time sponsor and partner of the INFF, and it was a pleasure to host an award dedicated to quality of life in the Alps! It was a special honour to meet the cast and director, and we hope this film can inspire people all across the Alps and beyond,” said Alpine Convention Secretary General Alenka Smerkolj.
