Watch The Mystery of San Nicandro

The Mystery of San Nicandro is a captivating documentary film that explores the historical and cultural significance of the San Nicandro community, a group of Italian peasants who converted to Judaism in the 1930s. The film follows the journeys of several fascinating individuals as they navigate the challenges of uncovering the truth behind this little-known community and its unique religious identity.

Narrated by Antonio Aiello, a San Nicandro native who was raised Jewish but later converted to Catholicism, the film offers a nuanced and deeply personal perspective on the community's complex history. Through interviews with experts in the fields of history, religion, and anthropology, as well as with members of the San Nicandro community themselves, the film reveals the intricate interplay of culture, identity, and faith that has shaped this enigmatic group.

At the heart of the film is the story of Barbara Aiello, a rabbi who has made it her life's work to uncover the truth about the San Nicandro community. Inspired by her own family's Sephardic Jewish heritage, Barbara has devoted herself to preserving and revitalizing Judaism in Southern Italy, and she plays a key role in helping to unravel the mysteries of San Nicandro.

With an unwavering commitment to historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity, Barbara and her colleagues have painstakingly reconstructed the community's past, piecing together a rich tapestry of religious beliefs, customs, and practices. As the film unfolds, viewers are treated to a vivid portrait of San Nicandro, from its humble beginnings as a group of peasants who found inspiration in the Bible, to its tumultuous encounters with Fascism and Catholicism, to its present-day identity as a unique and thriving Jewish community.

Along the way, the film addresses a range of fascinating questions, such as: What motivated the San Nicandro peasants to convert to Judaism in the first place? How did they reconcile their new religious identity with the traditional Catholic culture that surrounded them? And why has the story of San Nicandro remained largely unknown and unacknowledged in Italian history?

Through interviews with scholars and activists, including the Israeli anthropologist Shalom Bahbout and the Italian historian Marco Avolio, the film offers a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the social, political, and religious factors that shaped the San Nicandro phenomenon. It also features stunning archival footage and photographs, as well as original music by the Italian composer Giuseppe Vasapolli, which adds an extra layer of depth and emotion to the film.

Perhaps most importantly, however, The Mystery of San Nicandro is a testament to the incredible resilience and vitality of the human spirit. Despite the many obstacles they faced, the members of the San Nicandro community remained steadfast in their commitment to their faith and their culture, and their example continues to inspire and illuminate the present day.

Overall, The Mystery of San Nicandro is an engaging and thought-provoking exploration of a little-known historical phenomenon, and a testament to the enduring power of faith and identity. Whether you are a scholar, a filmmaker, or simply a curious viewer, this film is sure to captivate and inspire.

The Mystery of San Nicandro is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.