On the Trail of the Red Priest

“On the Trail of the Red Priest” is finally taking shape – an ambitious documentary project that aims to tell the story of Valle Verzasca through a narrative where legend and reality intertwine.

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A Cinematic Project in Development

The project is being developed through collaboration between Sapiens Production by Antonio Manco and Tatendrang Films by sisters Marem Hassler and Kemi Hernandez, daughters of Swiss director Jürg Hassler. Currently, Antonio Manco is engaged in developing the screenplay and conducting a delicate phase of exploratory research in the territory. This is a mapping work that will allow him to define the most significant locations, deepen knowledge of the protagonists of the contemporary story, and build the foundations for what will become the definitive documentary, whose production is planned for 2026.

The Story at the Heart of the Documentary

The core of the project is the personal research of Giuseppina Togni, born in Locarno in 1962 and author of the book “Il prete rosso. Saga di una famiglia della Verzasca” (The Red Priest. Saga of a Verzasca Family), published by Armando Dadò Editore. The book, which has achieved considerable regional success, is now in its fifth edition, becoming a true historical reference for Valle Verzasca.

The story begins when Giuseppina finds a trunk full of ancient family documents dating back to 1500. Driven by curiosity about these testimonies, she discovers that her roots lead directly to Sebastiano De Rubeis, known as the Red Priest: a priest with fiery red hair, forced by his father Johannes to take vows and move to Verzasca. His presence left an indelible mark on the valley, where suddenly, almost as if by magic, numerous red-haired children began to be born in a place where they had never been seen before.

Giuseppina’s research thus becomes a journey toward her own roots and an exploration of the identity of the entire community. Through documents, drawings, and old black-and-white photographs, the film travels back in time to enter the salient events of the life of that dissolute priest who lived in the mid-1500s, meet the women he frequented, and learn about the community in which he was immersed.

The Contemporary Protagonists

The documentary presents a varied cast that unites past and present. In addition to protagonist Giuseppina Togni, the film involves among others: Don Marco Castelli, Amelia Rossi, Silvio Fojada, Carla Rezzonico, Fausto Fojada, Fernando Fabretti, Felice Scolari, and Raffaele Scolari. These faces of today’s Verzasca represent the continuity of local traditions.

In particular, Silvio and Fausto Fojada together with Fernando Fabretti embody the ancient practice of transhumance – the seasonal migration of men and livestock through the mountains. It is they, together with the other valley inhabitants, who show how this community is still deeply connected to its land, keeping millenary traditions alive in the face of the challenges of modernization and depopulation.

The Documentary’s Themes

“On the Trail of the Red Priest” tells the story of Valle Verzasca as a mirror of universal themes: memory, identity, and the bond with one’s roots. The story and legend of the Red Priest become the thread that connects reflection on the past to the present, showing how collective memory shapes a community’s identity. Through the daily life of the valley emerge the signs of a territory that fights against depopulation and that, with stubbornness, seeks to preserve its cultural heritage. In this context, the role of women proves central: silent but decisive figures, who yesterday as today sustain social and cultural life, maintaining the community’s continuity alive.

The Cinematic Motivation

The project aims to give voice to the “last ones” of Verzasca society, highlighting the challenges and victories of men and especially women throughout the centuries. With a unique approach that combines documentary and narration through animated sequences, the film uses metanarration to connect Giuseppina’s past and her personal reflections to a broader story of emancipation and struggle.

Through the lens of one of Switzerland’s most characteristic valleys, the documentary celebrates not only the beauty of the Alpine landscape, but also the indomitable strength of its women, offering viewers an emotional and cultural journey that reflects on how our past inexorably shapes our present as well.

During the 2020 pandemic, Antonio Manco had found refuge in Valle Verzasca, falling deeply in love with it. From that moment began his research into books that tell the story of the valley, until arriving at Giuseppina Togni’s novel, which he acquired for a future cinematic fiction.

Partners Who Believe in the Project

“On the Trail of the Red Priest” has received patronage from the Municipality of Verzasca, the Verzasca Foundation, and the Verzasca Museum. This institutional support represents important recognition for the cultural and historical value of the project, contributing to the valorization of the memory and identity of Val Verzasca.

The support of these local entities allows the cinematic research to be carried forward with greater determination, sharing with the public the history and heritage of this unique territory. The project remains open to collaboration with other public and private entities interested in supporting and valorizing this cultural initiative.

Antonio Manco, Director and Storyteller

The direction of the documentary is entrusted to Antonio Manco, an independent director and producer who began his cinematic training with Ermanno Olmi at Ipotesi Cinema at the Cineteca in Bologna. He subsequently continued his journey alongside masters like Fernando “Pino” Solanas, deepening an attentive gaze toward reality and human stories.

Over the years he has signed several works selected and awarded in international contexts. Among these: Il Sogno di Gennaro (Gennaro’s Dream), best direction at O’Curt Film Festival (2011), Resistenza Artigiana (Artisan Resistance) (2012), awarded at the Naples Film Festival; Ni un pibe menos (Not One Kid Less) (2017), winner of Best Film and Best Direction at the Montevideo Human Rights Film Festival; and Connection House (2018), awarded at the Berlin Web Festival for best direction and at the Rome Web Festival as best web series.

His approach weaves together poetry and authenticity, always seeking a balance between authorial vision and attention to people. After life and work experiences between Italy, Spain, and Argentina, since 2019 he has lived in Zurich, where he founded Sapiens Production, a company dedicated to independent cinema and media.

An Invitation to Collaboration

Valle Verzasca has stories to tell that go beyond traditional tourist paths. “On the Trail of the Red Priest” aims to be an authentic window into this territory and the people who inhabit it, keeping alive the memory of those who preceded us and valorizing those who still today preserve these traditions. Cinema thus becomes an instrument to preserve and pass down a unique cultural heritage, where every stone and every face has a story to tell.

The documentary is an evolving project that grows through encounters and discoveries in the territory. Those who wish to follow its evolution or collaborate can find more information at www.ilpreterossofilm.com.

Contact Information

📍 Addresses

Alte Landstrasse 147, CH-8007 Küsnacht (ZH 8700)
Felsenstrasse 12a, CH-8008 Zürich

📧 Email

info@sapiensproduction.com
a.manco@sapiensproduction.com
tatendrangfilms@gmail.com

📞 Phone

+41 77 523 16 41
+41 44 420 16 47

For more information:

Official documentary website: www.ilpreterossofilm.com
Sapiens Production: www.sapiensproduction.com
Antonio Manco’s filmography available on IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/it/name/nm4294643/

Official channels: www.antoniomancoproduction.com

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Sapiens Production
Founder

Antonio Manco is a founder of Sapiens Production, a leading audiovisual production company known for its impactful and innovative content.

Specializing in high-quality films, documentaries, and corporate videos, Sapiens Production resonates with audiences worldwide. Antonio’s expertise in storytelling and cinematic vision ensures each project meets the highest standards of creativity and excellence, pushing the boundaries of audiovisual media to deliver inspiring and engaging narratives.