Sacred Modern, “Sacro Moderno”, when forgotten villages become cinema

There is an Italy that still survives far from crowded cities, hidden among mountains, silence and traditions that seem suspended in another era. That is where “Sacro Moderno”, the debut documentary feature by Italian director Lorenzo Pallotta, was born. The film will be available exclusively on RaiPlay starting 2026 May 30.
More than a documentary, the film is an intimate and unsettling portrait of a disappearing world. Across Italy, small villages continue to fade away and, with them, ancient customs, memories and identities risk vanishing forever.

The story takes place in the mountain village of Intermesoli, where only a handful of residents remain. At the center is Simone, a young man who silently inherits the weight of traditions and responsibilities tied to the village’s past. Nearby lives Filippo, a solitary hermit attempting to rebuild both his life and his faith away from society.
Bound by silence and emotional distance, the two men confront their own limits and inner conflicts while surrounded by a community whose invisible influence shapes their destiny.
With “Sacro Moderno”, Pallotta creates a powerful atmosphere of solitude and emotional disorientation. Silence becomes part of the narrative itself, while the landscape turns into a living presence suspended somewhere between reality and symbolism.
The documentary moves slowly, refusing dramatic shortcuts or artificial sentimentality. Instead, it observes everyday life with patience, allowing faces, gestures and empty spaces to speak for themselves.
Beyond the personal stories, the film also reflects on hidden systems of power and social dynamics that continue to exist inside isolated communities. Although rooted in a remote mountain village, its themes feel deeply universal.

The director
For Lorenzo Pallotta, the project is also a tribute to his homeland. Born in Abruzzo and trained at the SAE Institute in Milan, the director developed his career through documentaries, music videos, short films and independent productions. He also worked as assistant director on Loro and Piccole Avventure Romane by Paolo Sorrentino.
His 2019 short film “Luis” received recognition at several international festivals, already revealing a strong visual identity and a deep attention to human fragility.
With “Sacro Moderno”, that cinematic vision becomes even more mature, transforming the landscapes of Abruzzo into an emotional and spiritual journey.
In a time dominated by speed and constant noise, this is a film that dares to slow down. And perhaps that is exactly why it stays with the viewer long after it ends.

Igor Wolf

I am Igor Wolf, and here I share my passion for travel and exploring different cultures around the world. Every place has a story to tell.

www.youtube.com/@IgorWolfinger