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HideLupi Nostri - a Film made by Samer Angelone
Academia Raetica
LUPI NOSTRI IN A LANDSCAPE OF FEAR AND LOVE
As part of the Global Science Film Festival, Samer Angelone will present his debut film “Lupi Nostri – Our Wolves” on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Kulturplatz in Davos. The film will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a moderated discussion and refreshments.
Tickets for the film screening can be won on our Instagram account!
In an Italy polarized between wolf-defenders and wolf-opponents, a soon-to-be-retired professor finds himself torn between saving sheep and saving their predators.
Professor Luca Rossi dedicates what remains of his university career to study wolves, but his findings conflict with his emotions as he navigates the contentious divide between wolf defenders and opponents. As Luca tries to be as close as possible to the wolves to understand them, he finds himself facing the sentiments of those who fear and love them.
A debut film by a scientist-turned-filmmaker, documenting the last two professional years of his ex-doctoral supervisor. Professor Luca Rossi’s research on wolves is soon colored by emotions more than facts as he navigates the contentious divide between wolf defenders and opponents: Giorgio, a transhumant Shepherd who herds over 1000 animals threatened by wolves, needs the support of Luca to reduce their attacks; Daniel is a Spanish doctoral student delving into the enigma of wolves eating fellow wolves under Luca's mentorship. Daniel and Luca rely on remote cameras to access the Alpine wilderness from their office; Mauro heads the canine anti-poison unit and collaborates with Luca to uncover the truth behind the killed wolves; Ranger Jerry employs a "spy wolf" Ventura, to track the elusive creatures. Meanwhile, Francesca collaborates with Luca on the challenging task of capturing and sterilizing hybrid wolves. Amidst the drama, Luca's friend Aurelio guides hunters through the wilderness while keeping a watchful eye on the wolves.
Director note:
In my debut film, I invite you to experience an intimate connection with the wolves and to delve into the hearts of those who fear and love them. Rather than crafing a conventional nature or science documentary, I aimed to narrate the tales of individuals whose lives are intimately entwined with the wolves. This film does not take sides in the debate over wolves, nor does it assign blame or victimhood. I firmly believe that it is not the role of filmmakers to make such judgments. I trust that our mission as filmmakers is to reveal meanings but not to define them. My journey with Italy began in 2008 when I embarked on a research expedition with Professor Luca Rossi as part of my PhD studies. While I anticipated working alongside a data-driven scientist, I discovered in Luca a captivating storyteller. Afer completing my PhD, I transitioned to filmmaking, driven by a desire to share the myriad stories I had encountered. It was no coincidence that in 2021, I returned to Italy to chronicle the final years of Luca's esteemed career. I was confident that his life story will not disappoint the audience. To Luca, who guided me through my doctoral thesis and inspired my debut film, I dedicate this film in honor of his retirement. – Samer Angelone
About the director: Samer Angelone, Director, Producer, Cinematographer, Editor
Angelone is a Swiss-Italian-Syrian filmmaker and scientist. He teaches Filmmaking and Storytelling across various Swiss universities (e.g. Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne, Basel, ETH), film festivals (e.g. Locarno Film Festival, Visions du Réel Film Festival) and also for Academia Raetica. Angelone is the founder of the Swiss Science Film Academy, and a member of the Swiss Association of Film Journalists (SVFJ) and the International Federation of Film Critics (Fipresci). He holds dual PhDs in Film Studies and Biology. With “Lupi Nostri,” Angelone marks his directorial debut, showcasing his talents as a producer, cinematographer, and editor.
