Valeria Golino, Vincenzo Amato, Veronica D'Agostino, Filippo Pucillo

A close-knit community in the south-west of Sicily has been unchanged for centuries. Here, husbands go to sea and wives work packing fish while their children play among the cliffs. It's a way of life that is ingrained and which does not allow for change. Grazia (Valeria Golino), the wife of one of the local fishermen, and mother to his three childern, is easy going, affectionate and free-spirited.
But her unconventional attitude to life causes consternation amongst her elders, and brings scorn from her peers. Soon the community decides that she is in need of expert medical attention and they attempt to send her away to the city... A powerful and moving look at the strength of family and ties and the difficulties of community life, Respiro features stunning photography and locations that will take your breath away.

Respiro was screened during Critics Week at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.