Il Posto (A Steady Job), 2022.
Directed by Mattia Colombo, Gianluca Matarrese.
SYNOPSIS:
An on the road documentary focusing on the thousands of people in the nursing profession in Southern Italy who are desperate for only a few reliable positions in the country’s northern cities.
An insightful documentary playing as part of the first season of Cinecittà Italian Docs at London’s Bertha DocHouse, A Steady Job details Italy’s struggles with unemployment in the nursing profession.
The most sought after permanent positions are based in hospitals in the north of the country. Thousands of candidates from the southern regions travel up by bus to take part in exams deeming whether they are suitable. However, the odds are usually against them, as out of thousands applying there are often very few roles available.
Into this stark context the applicants try and save as much money as possible by travelling overnight by bus. A bus service set up by a trained nurse, who saw exactly how serious the situation had become, ferries the professionals to their exams. The tests themselves are more like lotteries, given the long odds of anyone finding steady work afterwards. Some make the trips several times a year, resilient in the face of the dire work situation.
The film captures the honest thoughts and discussions of the applicants as they travel up and down the country. The arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic complicated the issue yet further, with many nurses given temporary contracts. While the jobs were welcome, they came without any holiday allowance, or indeed, any security.
Offering a strong look at unbalanced difficulties in the country’s employment sectors, the documentary is a well-crafted examination of the human impact of economic and social disparities. The strength of individuals drawn to the nursing profession is highlighted with the desire to help others a powerful drive. The fact that the candidates are similarly drawn to look after themselves and their families is something told in compassionate and human tones.
The founder of the bus service, Raffaele, emerges as a sympathetic character. Unable to go back to his own nursing career while so many rely on the affordable transportation links to their exam appointments, he steadfastly gets on with the job at hand. And as becomes more than apparent, it is a job that shows no sign of going away any time soon.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Il Posto (A Steady Job) will be showing at London’s Bertha DocHouse as part of the Cinecittà Italian Docs season on Saturday 24th June, 16.00
Robert W Monk
