Emilia-Romagna Film Commission · Development 2026
With the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region
La guerra dei Santini is among the projects awarded funding under the 2026 development call, supporting the writing and development of our first original feature film.
Funding programme and official references
2026 call for support for the development of film and audiovisual works by companies based in Emilia-Romagna
Regional Government Resolution no. 663/2026 · Determination no. 19137 of 6 October 2026
L.R. n. 20/2014, art. 10 · CUP E49G26000690009
Synopsis
Romagna Apennines, 1870. After losing her husband in a death as absurd as it is unjust, Teresa steals a rotten log from her landlord’s woods to keep her children from freezing. When the count demands the return of the wood, already burned for warmth, a petty theft turns into a grotesque battle between a widow and those in power. A peasant western about grief, poverty and one woman’s resistance.
Our own story, a new beginning
La guerra dei Santini opens a new chapter for Lumelab: our first original feature film, written and directed by Marco La Ferrara. We bring our experience in production, post-production and visual effects to a story deeply rooted in the place we call home.
We approached Teresa’s story with enthusiasm and a desire to portray a woman who, in protecting her children, finds herself confronting an entire system of power. We are drawn to the point where drama meets the grotesque: a story set in the past that still speaks to the present.
Regional support now accompanies the writing, research and development process. This is the first step in a journey we want to share, from locations and early creative decisions to the future stages of production.
The film’s journey
- 01
Development
In progress
- 02
Pre-production
Next stage
- 03
Filming
To be scheduled
- 04
Post-production
Next stage
Development diary
Regional development funding awarded
With Determination no. 19137 of 6 October 2026, the Emilia-Romagna Region awarded Lumelab a grant for the development of La guerra dei Santini. This page will share future updates on the film.