Italian Film: The Tale of King Crab (Re Granchio)

Join us for the Winter 2025 Italian Film Series, “Chain Reaction/Reazione a catena,” sponsored by Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz.

This season’s films follow protagonists living during pivotal eras of Italian history whose lives are unexpectedly changed by the far-reaching consequences of a decision. Set in the 19th century and in post-war Rome, these dramatic art films invite us to consider how historical circumstances shape our lives and how our choices create effects that ripple through history. All of these films are in Italian with English subtitles. Logan Walker, film lecturer from UCSC & Director of Programming, SV Film Festival, will introduce and have a Q&A after the film.

The second film in the series is: The Tale of King Crab (Re Granchio). Directed by Alessio Rigo de Righi and Matteo Zoppis. 2021. 105 mins.

This off-beat, sumptuously photographed film tells the tale of Luciano, a wandering outcast from a remote, late 19th-century village in Tuscia. Luciano’s life is undone by alcohol, forbidden love, and a bitter conflict with a prince of the region over the right of passage through an ancient gateway. When the quarrel escalates, Luciano is exiled to the distant Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego where, with the help of ruthless gold-diggers, he searches for a mythical treasure, paving his way toward redemption.

“An atmospheric masterpiece” -Matthew Joseph Jenner, International Cinephile Society

no tickets required, although seating is limited; first come, first served

cash donations welcome at the door

for more info and to sign up for event reminders:

Host or Publisher Dante Alighieri Society of Santa Cruz County