Middle aged Gianni lives with his mother in their apartment in central Rome. One day in August, the administrator who takes care of the bills in their building, agrees to cancel his debt if he will look after his mother for a few days while he goes away with his family. However, Gianni is presented with a fait accompli when it turns out the manager’s aunt also needs lodging. And when a somewhat stressed Gianni calls on his doctor, whom he also owes money – the situation only grows worse.

In Italy, caught between tradition and the modern world, caring for the aged is an especially complicated problem. Financially cornered, Gianni (played by the director himself) musters all his charm to manage the needs and personalities of his guests. The result is a small but utterly charming film, where comedy and heart conceals a serious message about the burdens of old age and social obligations.

Born in Rome in 1949, Gianni di Gregorio recently achieved acclaim as co-screenwriter on Matteo Garrone’s GOMORRAH. After graduating in directing and acting from Rome’s Academia di Arte Sceniche, he has worked as a scriptwriter and assistant director. MID-AUGUST LUNCH is his first feature film.

FILMOGRAPHY:
2008 MID-AUGUST LUNCH