In 1858, in the Jewish quarter of Bologna, the Pope’s soldiers burst into the home of the Mortara family. By order of the cardinal, they have come to take Edgardo, their seven-year-old son. The child had been secretly baptized by his nurse as a baby, and the papal law is unquestionable: he must receive a Catholic education. Edgardo’s parents, distraught, will do anything to get their son back. Supported by public opinion and the international Jewish community, the Mortaras’ struggle quickly takes on a political dimension. But the Church and the Pope will not agree to return the child.

Kidnapped, based on a shocking true story, is the newest film from legendary director Marco Bellocchio (Fists in the Pocket, The Traitor), and had its world premiere in competition at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.