In the early seventies, the world was watching as Chile democratically elected Socialist leader Salvador Allende. His political ideals and aspirations—among them providing education for all children and distributing land to the nation’s workers—terrified the country’s right-wing, as well as the U.S., who helped orchestrate a military coup that replaced him with dictator Augusto Pinochet. This tragic history has been well documented, but Italian director Nanni Moretti (Caro Diario, Ecce Bombo) adds an angle many viewers may not know about: the efforts of the Italian Embassy to save and relocate citizens targeted by the fascist regime. Told through the testimonies of those who were there, Santiago, Italia is a chilling depiction of living under junta rule and an ultimately inspiring expression of hope amidst dire circumstances.

“The Italian director Nanni Moretti crafts this fiercely earnest documentary with a frank simplicity that feels remarkably original.” —The New Yorker

“With the worldwide rise of the right wing in the 21st century, Santiago, Italia remains a timely reminder of oppression’s human toll and the little resistances and allegiances that keep people alive.” —One Room with a View