The Italian crime drama “The Mayor of Rione Sanità” (original title: “Il sindaco del Rione Sanità”) directed by Mario Martone brings from a stage drama to the big screen. The play of the same name, written by Eduardo de Filippo and first performed in 1960, was later adapted for the stage, notably in 2017 by the NEST Theater Company of Naples and was directed by the same Mario Martone. Having had its world premiere at the 76th Venice International Film Festival in the Main Competition, this feature was awarded with the collateral prize “Leoncino D’Oro” (Agiscuola, UNICEF).
 
Filmed in a villa at the foot of Mount Vesuvius in Naples in only four weeks, the picture tells the story of Antonio Barracano, well-known as “Mayor,” a man of honor who manages to resolve the justice disputes that arise within the neighborhood community and in doing so, prevents great violence.