Film review: Biùtiful cauntri (2007)

Biùtiful cauntri is a shocking and powerful documentary about illegal toxic waste dumping in Southern Italy, coordinated by organised criminal groups, which resulted in the poisoning of people, animals and agricultural land.

The film – whose title is the literal pronunciation of ‘beautiful country’ – is directed by Esmeralda Calabria and Andrea D’Ambrosio and investigates the criminal activities undertaken by mafia and camorra groups in the Naples area and Sicily, where tonnes of toxic waste is dumped illegally.

The result of such illegal activities, which are worth million of euros, has been the progressive poisoning of land, farm animals and plant life, which led to adverse health effects on local communities as well. The film also explores the corruption and ambiguous links of some high-profile business and political figures with the organised crime.

The movie is available in full with English subtitles on Vimeo and YouTube and gives a truthful insight into one of the gravest eco-crimes ever committed in Europe.