It was comforting to see a movie set in Southern Italy, without any hints to criminality or political corruption, used and tired as we are to see Southern regions represented only in these terms. We find the arid but uncontaminated landscapes of Basilicata, probably one of poorest and most neglected of Italian regions, but here pulsing with fierce dignity, proud of its literary past, rich in colours, wild nature and sound humanity. Four men will travel around from one sea to another, to take part in a local music competition, but the end of this odd journey by feet is not as important as the journey itself, through which they will evolve and learn much about themselves and the meaning of their lives. A tired and listless journalist, interpreted by the always talented Giovanni Mezzogiorno, will accompany them, and discover some passion for something in her life. It's a plain movie, whose slow rhythm is given by the sound of the bass, and relieved by odd songs, each one a moment of revelation for each character. It's a feel-good movie, leaving the viewer with a sense of simplicity, of the need and the necessity to leave, in order to come back, but with a new consciousness and a new feeling for life. A movie to be praised, within Italian cinematography, as it can still deliver small, certainly not box-office, but good and committed products, that could appeal the wide public, leaving an intelligent message, without being too intellectual.

Basilicata coast to coast is the first film of Rocco Papaleo, who is the actor, writer and the director of this film. The cast is comprised of 4 friends who have formed a bass guitar quartet/ They have decided to participate in the annual Scanzania musical festival at the other and of the Basilicata region. The band decides to cross the countryside by foot with also a donkey. Papaleo explores the heart of a mysterious region, that is always forgotten. The setting of this lovely comedy id the Mediterranean cost with its sunny atmosphere. It is a place untouched by industry or cities. In that trip the characters go out by themselves and are transformed during the film by their friendship and contact with nature in this unique part of Italy. Not only that, but Papaleo also wants to celebrate the arts and the beauty of nature summarized by Primo Levi's sentence: "Christ stopped at Eboli". Levi was so fascinated by this beautiful place,that he was buried there. What surprised me most about the film is how Papaleo was able to mix the wonderful work of the actors with the harmony of landscape. Over all, i'd recommend this moving gentle.