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{it} Santo Stefano [1] (Italy, 1997), directed by Angelo Pasquini, starring Andrea De Rosa.

In 1959, in the prison of Santo Stefano, located on an Italian island, Bruno D'Assisi, the just arrived new director, tries to make is best to improve prisoners' life conditions, with the help of some of the prison guards. Witness of his efforts is Antonio, the twelve years old son of Bruno who develops a deep friendship with Nicola, a lifer Bruno trusts very much. But after just one year the situation becomes more and more complicated, and when Bruno comes back on the island after a shot vacation, finds things have radically changed, becoming even worst of the ones he originally found when he arrived at Santo Stefano the first time. He's also considered responsible when Nicola escapes from the prison.

Much like Alcatraz, Santo Stefano is a fortress-like Mediterranean penitentiary closed by the Italian government in the mid-'60s. Antonio the pre-teen son of prison director Bruno D'Assisi, attends the prison school although his mother is back on the mainland. Antonio becomes friends with Nicola, an inmate who has the trust of director D'Assisi. Campaigning in the Church and press for prison reform, D'Assisi attempts to upgrade the atmosphere in the prison by creating a sense of community and trust. However, escalating right-wing reactions build into a backlash against his methods. After a mainland visit, D'Assisi finds the evil Ardito and a brutal bunch of guards have replaced his more trusted guards.