Watch USTICA ABOVE AND UNDER THE SEA

Ustica Above and Under the Sea (Ustica sopra e sotto il mare) is a documentary film that sheds light on the tragic events that took place on June 27, 1980, when a passenger aircraft, flying from Bologna to Palermo, mysteriously disappeared from radar and crashed into the ocean, killing all 81 people on board. The incident occurred near the island of Ustica, located off the coast of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The film is directed by Renzo Martinelli, a renowned Italian filmmaker who has won numerous awards for his works in cinema. Martinelli, who was a teenager when the Ustica tragedy occurred, grew up with the story of the crash and has been fascinated by it ever since. His film aims to provide a comprehensive and unbiased account of what happened that fateful day by combining archival footage, interviews with eyewitnesses, divers, and experts, and advanced computer graphics.

The film begins with a gripping reenactment of the plane crash, which sets the tone for the rest of the documentary. The viewer is immediately drawn into the chaos and confusion that followed the crash as rescue teams and divers rushed to the scene. The film then takes a step back in time to provide context for the incident by exploring the history of Ustica, a small island with a rich cultural heritage that has been inhabited since prehistoric times.

Through interviews with historians and archaeologists, the film retraces the island's evolution from a strategic military outpost to a peaceful fishing village that became a popular tourist destination in the 20th century. The film also delves into the island's natural beauty, showcasing its crystal-clear waters, underwater caves, and rich marine life.

The documentary then pivots back to the main story of the Ustica tragedy, exploring the various theories and hypotheses that have emerged over the years about what caused the plane to crash. Martinelli's film examines each theory in detail and presents the evidence for and against it, leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusions. Some of the theories explored include a terrorist attack, a missile strike, a collision with a military aircraft, and a malfunction in the plane's navigational system.

The film also introduces the viewer to the families of the victims, who have been seeking answers and justice for over four decades. Their emotional testimonies provide a human dimension to the tragedy and underscore the importance of finding the truth.

One of the most impressive aspects of Ustica Above and Under the Sea is its stunning aerial and underwater footage. The film's cinematographer, Marco Cappetta, captures the beauty and mystery of Ustica's landscapes and seascapes in breathtaking detail, revealing a world that is both serene and treacherous. The film's use of computer graphics and 3D reconstructions also adds a layer of visual sophistication to the storytelling.

Overall, Ustica Above and Under the Sea is a compelling and thought-provoking documentary that sheds new light on one of Italy's most enduring mysteries. Martinelli's film is a testament to the power of cinema to educate, enlighten, and entertain, and is a must-see for anyone interested in history, aviation, and underwater exploration.