One Hundred Steps

The story spans decades of postwar Sicily, tracing Peppino’s childhood through his rise as an anti-Mafia activist and culminating in his 1978 assassination. It places these events against a backdrop of political tension, corruption, and social change in southern Italy. The period reflects a time when organized crime wielded significant influence over politics and everyday life in Sicily.

The film is set in Cinisi, a small Sicilian town whose close-knit community frames much of the story. Its atmosphere reflects a place where family ties and local power intersect with organized crime. The Cinisi setting provides the backdrop for Peppino's awakening and the community's response to mafia violence.

🗳️ Political Activism

Peppino's transformation from a curious child into a committed political activist anchors the narrative. He uses political organizing, street protests, and party engagement to challenge mafia rule. The film shows the personal costs of dissent in a town where fear and complicity run deep. It highlights the power and dangers of civic engagement in a mafia-influenced society.

📰 Free Press

Radio Aut becomes the tool to broadcast truth and expose corruption. The effort to publish critical material meets resistance from authorities and powerful interests. The theme underscores the risks journalists face when documenting crime and how information can mobilize public opinion. It demonstrates the role of media in confronting the status quo, even at great personal cost.

🧭 Family vs Ideology

Peppino’s anti-Mafia stance strains family loyalties and personal relationships. His father and relatives uphold traditional power structures, creating a clash between kinship and moral conviction. The film examines how devotion to family can both support resistance and hinder justice. The tragedy underscores the costs of dissent in a tightly knit community.