Venice is inextricably linked to her salty, fresh and brackish waters, an inexhaustible resource that now threatens the city’s very survival. Regulating the water has always played a part in the city’s history. Over the centuries, both major and minor interventions in the lagoon have been necessary to maintain its delicate balance. But Venice’s real threat today is the increasing frequency of high tides and the threat of rising sea levels caused by climate change. Especially at high tide, the force of the water weakens and sometimes damages the banks and the foundations of the buildings. Because of these worsening conditions, a decision to protect Venice was made by constructing a massive system of Mobile Barriers, called MOSE (Modulo Sperimentale Elettromeccanico). Construction of this highly complex engineering and naval operation was begun in 2003, is now 40 percent built and is expected to be completed by 2014. Will the MOSE project really solve Venice’s problem? Directed by Michele Barca and Nicola Pittarello. Produced by SD Cinematografica.  

The Challenge of Venice

2012 IT 52 min
Festival Year: 2013
Types: Documentary
Topic: Climate Change, Environmental Advocacy and Justice, Freshwater & Oceans, Global Perspectives