BITTER SUMMER

Millions of Italians affected by the economic crisis and varying degrees of poverty are looking for a cheap way to spend their summer holidays. This story documents what happens in Bari, one of the largest cities in the south of the country, where thousands of people gather on the "Canalone" waterfront to take advantage of a strip of free beach. During the hot season, this huge drainage channel becomes densely crowded with locals, who settle there for several days and nights, bringing self-made structures, food and drink and preparing for a long stay. This makeshift beachfront community quickly weaves personal relationships, children play together, supplies are offered to each other and stories are shared. These include family hurts and problems, discussions about government, football, prison, drugs, money, love and other various issues. In this hot summer, people share their bitter little happiness and recurring dreams of being somewhere else.

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