Kidnapped: The Abduction of Edgardo Mortara

In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, Italy, the Pope’s soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. By order of the cardinal, they have come to forcibly take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son. Unbeknownst to his parents, the child had been secretly baptized by a nurse who feared for his soul if he died when he became sick as a baby. The boy survived and now years later, the baptism has just been discovered. Papal law is unquestionable: as the boy’s been baptized, he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo’s parents, distraught, will do anything to get their son back. Supported by public opinion and the international Jewish community, the Mortaras’ struggle quickly takes on a political dimension. But the Church and the Pope will not agree to return the child. A trial ensues to decide the young boy’s fate as he continues to practice his Jewish faith in secret while being raised as a Catholic. This compelling historical drama is based on a true story and directed by legendary Italian director Marco Bellocchio (Blood of My Blood, The Traitor).

134 min.