E IO
IN THE DEPTHS OF WAR, HUMANITY IS THE LAST BASTION

In the midst of World War II’s Stalingrad campaign, the destinies of Ladislau, Pavel, Angelo, Zanetello, Ettore and Pacifico intertwine. They experience the extremes of the human spirit under political constraints and military orders.

Angelo Pannocchia defies everything to save Ladislau, driven by a simple, unshakeable principle: human life matters more than ideology. Amidst a disorganized retreat, Pavel and Ladislau separate — one heading west, the other south — until destiny extends a hand to both.

“E io” is a profound exploration of life during World War II, seen through the experiences of Ladislau Iosif Szabo, Pavel, Angelo Pannocchia, Zanetello Ettore and Pacifico Andrea. In 1942, amidst the devastating conflict at Stalingrad, the destinies of these men intertwine in a story about humanity, solidarity and survival.

The film shows that beyond political constraints and military orders there is something more powerful: humanity itself. War is presented not as a conflict between peoples, but as a clash of interests that ignore the human spirit and the basic need for solidarity and love.

• Angelo Pannocchia becomes the symbol of compassion, overcoming every obstacle to save Ladislau.
• A stop at a well becomes a crucial moment as Ladislau’s generosity saves his comrades from poisoned water.
• The film moves between the front lines and the offices of Mussolini, Hitler, Antonescu, Stalin and American generals, highlighting confusion and lack of real solutions.
• A powerful explosion brings Ladislau face to face with Pavel, forging a bond that seems unbreakable.
• Ladislau is saved from freezing to death by Angelo; Pavel wakes up in a Russian truck on the way to a camp.

The film ends with their reunion, underlining the impact of war on human destiny and the victory of humanity and solidarity in the darkest times.

We go back to the beginnings of the war, showing how the great powers pursued their own interests, leaving countries like Romania and Italy to bear the hardship of a devastating conflict.

Mussolini’s Italy plunges recklessly into war, while Romania suffers territorial losses and attempts to erase its national identity and culture. Through ordinary people, we see tragedy and sacrifice in the name of reckless ambitions.

We are placed in the heart of the battle for Stalingrad, where the Soviet counteroffensive exposes the vulnerabilities of Axis forces, including Romanian and Italian troops, unprepared for the brutal Eastern Front.

Our characters’ experiences reflect heroism, desperation and the material and strategic shortcomings that define their participation in the war.

This is the emotional climax, where survival becomes the only battle that matters. After the collapse of the Italian and Romanian forces, the effort to find a way back home becomes a story about rediscovering hope and humanity in the darkest moments.

The meeting of Ladislau with Angelo, the separation and reunion with Pavel, symbolize the endless cycle of war and peace, despair and the rebirth of hope.

A heart-wrenching and compelling tale of human resilience and bonds formed amidst the chaos of war, “E io” is a poignant reminder of the enduring power of compassion and friendship, transcending the boundaries of language and nationality.

The film insists that, even when leaders sacrifice nations on the altar of ambition, individual acts of kindness remain the true resistance.

• Humanity vs. ideology – people refuse to be reduced to uniforms and flags.
• Friendship and solidarity across borders and languages.
• The randomness and cruelty of war contrasted with deliberate acts of compassion.
• Survival as both physical struggle and inner journey towards meaning.

• Status: In development
• Estimated budget: €3 million
• Format: Feature film (festival & commercial potential)
• Primary countries: USA, Italy, Romania, UK

• Women: 60% (ages 28–60)
• Men: 40% (ages 16–60)
• Viewers attracted to emotional war dramas, humanistic stories and character-driven cinema.
• Ideal for arthouse circuits, curated platforms and broadcasters with a focus on quality European cinema.