Marina (2013)

In the rugged contours of Calabria, Southern Italy, 1948, we meet Salvatore Granata, a man of humble means, striving to provide for his family. His wife, son Rocco, and daughter live a simple life in their quaint village, their existence as unassuming as the landscapes surrounding them. In a daring bid to forge a better future, Salvatore decides to relinquish his humble surroundings and move to the industrial heartland of Belgium. He ventures forth as a "gastarbeider" or immigrant worker, intending to toil in the coal mine of Waterschei. His plan is to earn enough in a short time to buy a forge for his son, young Rocco, who at this point is an innocent 9-year-old boy. A year passes, and Salvatore, feeling the sting of separation, decides his family should join him in this foreign land. As they navigate the icy winters and unfamiliar culture of Belgium, they are met with the harsh realities of immigrant life. They grapple with the indifference of the Belgian people, struggle to make ends meet, and are appalled to learn that Salvatore's contract extends for five years, implying that their children will also have to work in the mines upon leaving school. However, amidst this bleak existence, Rocco, now exposed to a world far removed from his native Calabria, finds solace in the enchanting strains of the accordion. He also encounters Helena, the daughter of the local grocer, whose presence soothes his immigrant woes. But their friendship stirs the ire of Helena's father, a man with a deep-seated prejudice against Italian boys. "Marina" is a poignant tale of childhood dreams, harsh realities, and the resilience of the human spirit. As Rocco comes of age in a world he initially finds alienating, he fights to keep his dreams alive, challenging the status quo and daring to carve out his destiny. This captivating narrative is a testament to the power of dreams, the strength of family, and the courage to defy societal norms and prejudices.

Marina is a drama movie featuring Matteo Simoni.

Marina is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Yupp TV.