Matteo Messina Denaro's Hometown Cinema Opts Out of Screening 'The Last Godfather'

  In Matteo Messina Denaro's hometown, the film "Iddu - The Last Godfather," set to release in Italian cinemas on October 10th, will not be shown. There will also be no premiere featuring the actors and director.

The "Marconi" cinema in the town of the boss and his family has always been managed by the former mayor Antonino Vaccarino, who was arrested and convicted for drug trafficking and died three years ago due to Covid-related complications. Now, it is managed by his son Salvatore, who has stated that he is not only uninterested in hosting a premiere in Castelvetrano and hence has not requested it from the staff, but he also has no interest in screening a film which he says "does not interest me, it does not concern me."

Upon hearing the news, the mayor of Castelvetrano, Giovanni Lentini, responded that he would try to persuade the managers to allow everyone the opportunity to see the film. Directed by Fabio Grassadonia and Antonio Piazza, the film depicts several events from the life of the mafia boss who was captured on January 16, 2023, after nearly thirty years on the run, particularly focusing on the "pizzini" through which he managed his affairs. It portrays a world that recklessly revolves around him and protects the tragic and farcical mystery of his prolonged hiding.

 In this world, risks and existential crises never yield the hoped-for results. Roman actor Elio Germano plays the boss, but from the initial trailers circulating on the internet, an extraordinary Tony Servillo will portray the figure, described by many as "unclear," which Antonino Vaccarino represented for many years, dating back to the days of Don Ciccio Messina Denaro, the father of the deceased former fugitive. The real character involved is Vaccarino himself, with whom Messina Denaro maintained intense epistolary relations in the early 2000s through "pizzini."

Catello (Tony Servillo), a politician convicted of external complicity in mafia-type association, is offered freedom by the secret services in exchange for his help in capturing his former godson. Thus begins an epistolary correspondence with him, now weary of his fugitive life, in the hope of inducing him to inadvertently reveal his hideout in one of his pizzini. However, viewers must wait for the cinematic release to learn more, but the fact remains that Vaccarino's son will not give his city, and thus its citizens, the chance to see the film. This stance is seen as an attempt to defend the honor of his deceased father. The film tour with the presence of actors and directors will take place from October 3 to 8, concluding in Palermo.

It will visit various towns in Sicilian provinces. On Thursday, October 3, events will be held in Mazara del Vallo, Alcamo, and Trapani. "I have learned that the cinema managers do not intend to screen the film," said Mayor Giovanni Lentini. "I will try to persuade them to change their minds and offer this opportunity to the citizens, that is, to see this film. It's right to see it, and then everyone is free to express their own opinion."