VIVI ~ WATERWAYS
SHOT ON THE PO RIVER
DOC-SERIES ~ REPORTAGE
The sturgeon is a species that has inhabited the Po
River for over 200 million years. It is a migratory fish that swims upstream to
spawn. Unfortunately, today its survival is threatened due to pollution caused
by extensive human activity and the construction of a dam that has disrupted
the river's nat-ural flow. The few remaining specimens are kept alive in long
artificial basins submerged in the for-est. In this environment, they are bred
and can live far from any danger, in clear and tranquil water. They await
adulthood and being released into the dark and murky waters of the river, at
the mercy of their destiny. The largest hydroelectric power station in Italy,
with its imposing dams, has interrupted the natural flow of the river,
hindering the mobility of fish, including the sturgeon. These fish have no
longer found safe places to release their eggs. However, today there is a new
hope thanks to the construc-tion of a fish ladder that restores the river's
continuity. The monitoring room is located below the dam's level, and through a
large porthole, you can see the water flowing rapidly again, in the hope that
at least one sturgeon can pass through. "VIVI" is a clear example of
short-sighted policies leading to the extinction of an ancient species. It
tells the collective story of young researchers and volunteers dedicated to
safeguarding life, habitat, and culture that are part of their territory. It
contrasts the physicality of a wall that obstructs and di-vides with the
apparently fragile but resilient nature. It does so through the eyes of the
sturgeon, depicting the challenges it must overcome in a corrupted habitat.
It's a symphony of water, nature, and small actions that change the world.
FESTIVAL
2024 To be announced.
SCREENING & EXHIBITIONS
2024 | Kolga Tiblisi Photo Award – Shortlist Documentary Series
2024 | World Water Day Photo Contest– Finalist
CREDITS
Direction, cinematography, sound by ~
Jacopo Marzi
Photographer ~
Davide Bertuccio
In collaboration with ~
Autorità di Bacino Distrettuale del Fiume Po
Parco del Ticino
Università degli Studi di Parma
Production ~
Aquarelastudio
Supervising editor ~
Emiliano Battista
Sound Design, mix ~
Lorenzo Sattin
Music Composer ~
Tommaso Bullo / Groundkeeper Studios
AD, drone, operator ~
Lapo Pecchioli
Macro cinematography ~
Davide Bertuccio
Colorist & Visual Effects ~
Gino Liegi
Grip ~
Kilian Agath
Colorist & Visual Effects ~
Gino Liegi