'The New Gospel' returns to Italy

When director Milo Rau visited Matera in southern Italy in 2019, which was then the European Capital of Culture, he saw for himself how African migrants were used as slaves in agriculture. No papers, barely any pay, miserable housing... Everything to push down the price of tomatoes that are sold everywhere in Europe. Rau was invited to set up a cultural project there. Confronted with the modern slavery in 'enlightened' Europe, he decided to film a modern version of the gospel with the Cameroonian activist Yvan Sagnet in the role of Jesus. He found his apostles among the exploited migrants.

Now, two years later, 'The New Gospel' is finally returning to Matera. On Sunday 3 October, there will be a panel discussion at 'Casa Bettania', the very first House of Dignity created after the shooting of the film. Rau and Sagnet have been working for years to improve the lot of exploited migrants, including better housing. A day later, on the 4th of October, there will be a screening at the Matera Film Festival, followed by a follow-up discussion. Just before 'The New Gospel' comes home to Matera, the film can also be seen in Rome, at the documentary festival SalinaDocFest and via streaming in the whole country.

For years now, The New Gospel' has been touring the world. The documentary was previously shown at the Avignon Theatre Festival and the prestigious Venice Film Festival, and was selected for the IDFA film festival in Amsterdam, FIFDH in Geneva, Soluthurn Film Festival, Cinéma du Réel in Paris and the Locarno Film Festival. In Switzerland, the film was elected Documentary of the Year.