The story of Sicily and Giuseppe Quatriglio, a historical figure of the Giornale di Sicilia, as experienced through the eyes of his daughter Costanza. A passionate journey through history and memory, revealing a world ready to be explored.
“Il cassetto segreto” in Italian cinemas from Thursday, April 18th.
InItaly takes us on a journey through ever-evolving realities. This time, we embarked on this journey alongside director Costanza Quatriglio, who unveiled her latest work, «Il cassetto segreto», in a special preview at the Casa del Cinema in Rome. Produced by Indyca, Luce Cinecittà, and Rai Cinema, this compelling documentary is set to hit Italian cinemas on Thursday, April 18, 2024. At its heart, «Il cassetto segreto» is a deeply personal exploration guided by the memories of Costanza’s father, Giuseppe Quatriglio, a revered journalist whose career spanned nearly eight decades. From documenting historical events like the fall of the Berlin Wall to capturing the essence of everyday life in Sicily, Giuseppe Quatriglio’s lens captured it all. The Sicilian journalist, who passed away in 2017, was the one who breathed international culture, proudly exporting and representing our own. His legacy is one of cultural exchange and pride, reflecting both international perspectives and the essence of Sicilian identity. Sciascia defined him as the «tireless seeker of Sicilian things».
The discovery of graffiti at Palazzo Chiaromonte, between Giuseppe Pitrè and Leonardo Sciascia
For instance, in 1964, he was credited with discovering some mural graffiti created by individuals condemned by the Spanish Inquisition in Palermo’s prisons at Palazzo Chiaromonte, known as Steri. These artworks had escaped the inventory conducted by ethnologist Giuseppe Pitrè in 1906, as documented in the book “Urla senza suono” (Sellerio, 1999), a scholarly work featuring texts by Pitrè and Leonardo Sciascia. Giuseppe Quatriglio’s profound friendship with Leonardo Sciascia sparked his interest in Italian affairs, as depicted in the pages of the Giornale di Sicilia. He engaged in philosophical discussions with poet Ignazio Buttitta and interviewed Carlo Levi, who famously described Sicily as «the most beautiful yet dramatically contrasting land.»
So the docufilm offers a unique glimpse into Giuseppe’s world, revealing the stories behind his iconic photographs and film reels. Through intimate interviews and archival footage, we witness his encounters with luminaries like Buttitta and Levi, whose insights continue to resonate with relevance today. From the bustling streets of Palermo to the serene landscapes of Sweden, «Il cassetto segreto» transports viewers across continents and through decades of history.
®Fondo Giuseppe Quatriglio
A docufilm to explore the past and understand the present
But amidst the nostalgia, there’s a palpable sense of urgency, a recognition that the past is intricately linked to the present. As Costanza sifts through her father’s archives, she confronts not only his legacy but also the enduring impact of his work on contemporary society. Through her lens, the personal becomes universal, inviting audiences to reflect on their own connections to the past and the world around them:
«The discovery of over 60,000 photographic negatives taken by my father from 1947 onwards, dozens of 8mm reels, and hundreds of hours of audio recordings made me realize that I had an extraordinary opportunity: to create a film that placed at its core a weaving of stories and lives lived, echoing in the history of us all». Thus spoke the director.
Ultimately, «Il cassetto segreto» is more than just a documentary, it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring legacy of one man’s journey through life. As Giuseppe Quatriglio’s archive finds a new home in the heart of Sicily – Central Library of the Sicilian Region – his memories continue to inspire and resonate a reminder that while time may pass, some stories are timeless.
