Shooting the Mafia

Shooting the Mafia is a captivating 2019 documentary directed by Kim Longinotto. In its core, it portrays the daring life, relentless passion, and unquestionable bravery of a remarkable woman, Letizia Battaglia, who made her mark in the gruesome world of Mafia while she was working as a photojournalist. The film also features striking inputs and narratives from Mariachiara di Trapani and Eduardo Rebulla.

Born into a traditional family where women were seen and not heard, Battaglia took up photography at the prime age of 40, breaking free from societal shackles. She became the first female Italian photographer to be a part of a daily Italian newspaper. Battaglia's daring career spanned capturing the sinister depths of Mafia crimes in Sicily from the 1970s explored through her vivid photographs peppered over the 94-minute runtime of the film.

Kim Longinotto, known for her critically acclaimed social documentaries, brings to life Letizia Battaglia's passionate fight against the Mafia. It goes beyond showcasing Battaglia as just a photojournalist but also a fierce woman who used her medium as a tool for unmasking the brutalities of the Mafia, earning her both acclaim and threats. Battaglia's black-and-white photographs relay chilling realities of everyday life in Palermo. Longinotto layers these powerful images underscoring how the Mafia ruled Sicily with an iron fist, leaving a trail of bodies and families in tragic agony.

Moving beyond Battaglia's professional journey, the film delves into her personal life and experiences to give the audience a more enigmatic portrait. It adds another level of depth, exposing the audience to Battaglia's steadfast approach facing both the mundane and the extraordinary. The film discusses her three failed marriages, her love affairs while allowing glimpses into her life as an outspoken Sicilian woman who dared to emerge from traditional boundaries.

Battaglia's companion for many years and fellow anti-Mafia activist, Eduardo Rebulla, plays a crucial presence in the narrative with his shared experiences and observations. It is through him that the audience receives a more intimate picture of Battaglia's world. Additionally, appearances by figures like Mariachiara di Trapani round out the primary cast, supporting the narrative with their unique perspectives and shared histories.

Despite the film's grounding in brutal realities, it is never devoid of moments of resilience and hope. Battaglia's resilience is personified in her passion to expose the Mafia despite the evident danger she places herself in. This documentary rides on this undertone of hope against a backdrop littered with crime scenes, thereby maintaining the viewers' engagement for the entirety of its 94-minute runtime. It is a testament not only to Battaglia's courage but also to the power of journalism and art as catalysts for awareness and change.

The film’s cinematographic aspect is designed in a way that provides room for viewers to absorb the horrific atrocities committed by the Mafia. It alternates between shots of grim crime scenes and intimate interview sequences, interspersed with the personal life of Battaglia. The art direction and time-specific artifacts successfully transport viewers back to Sicily during the reign of the Mafia, where violence was a constant looming presence.

Longinotto's respect for her subject is evident throughout the film. Still, it also does a commendable job of avoiding hagiography by showcasing Battaglia in all her complexities. As Battaglia recounts her experiences fighting Sicily’s patriarchal norms or revealing her anguish over the lives lost to the Mafia, viewers are drawn into this unique, evocative story embodying defiance, resilience, romance, and revolution.

With exceptionally heart-wrenching visuals, a compelling narrative, and awe-inspiring characters, Shooting the Mafia is a beacon of fearless journalism, courage, and an unperturbed commitment to truth. At the same time, it chronicles a dark period of Sicily's history that should not be forgotten. This film is more than a historical documentary or a biography; it's a tribute to Battaglia’s undying spirit, a glimpse into her challenging venture, and most importantly, it's a wake-up call against the atrocities of organized crime.