EXCLUSIVE: Rai Cinema is getting behind a feature inspired by a real-life operation involving Italian intelligence, elite special forces and the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Unit to evacuate Palestinian children wounded in air strikes from the war-torn territory.
The cinema arm of Italy‘s state broadcaster is joining forces with Rome-based MasiFilm on the production, working titled Defence Line – Gaza, which also has the participation of HBO Max.
Alessandro Tonda is set to direct the feature, which follows in the wake of his well-received 2025 drama The Negotiator (Il Nibbio), inspired by a real-life Italian intelligence officer who was killed in an operation to free a journalist being held hostage in Baghdad. Related Stories News It Starts On The Page: Read 'The Pitt' Season 2 Script "1 P.M." With Foreword By Kirsten Pierre-Geyfman News Deadline's German TV Disruptor Anke Greifeneder Wants To "Challenge The Status Quo" & Find Local Hits For HBO
The film will be shot in Italian, English and Arabic; filming is set to begin this summer.
The production is described as “a high-profile institutional project” developed in collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Department of Information and Security, the External Information and Security Agency, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The film will be distributed theatrically in Italy by 01 Distribution, whilst international sales will be handled by Rai Cinema International Distribution.
Source: deadline.com