Life goes like this, the true story behind Riccardo Milani’s blockbuster film at the cinema

Capo Malfatano: a paradise under siege

The land of Marras was located in the area of Capo Malfatanoa corner of paradise where some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and the world are located, such as that of The tower. Born and lived in roofin the southwestern tip of Sardinia, Ovid firmly opposed the plan to build a luxury resort with villas, swimming pools and golf courses. For him, that land was not just his property: it was identity, history, it was community. So when the company Sitas he went so far as to offer him up to 12 million euros to vacate the plot, Ovidio refused without even a second’s hesitation. His motto has remained the same, always: “No to money, yes to my nature”. Marras passed away in January 2024, at the age of 93, remaining faithful to his ideals to the end.

A road, a symbol of resistance

In addition to the land and the house, Marras also owned a small one private road which he had used since he was a child to go to town and take the livestock to pasture. It was right there that the dispute began: the workers began building on his path, destroying centuries-old olive trees. While the others sold their lands at a price in gold, Ovid decided to resist and resort to justice. That gesture, simple and obstinate, became the symbol of his battle.

The long legal battle

It all began in 2009when a plan to build was presented 140 thousand cubic meters of concrete destined for a luxury “eco resort”. When the road in front of his land was diverted to accommodate the work, Marras realized something was wrong. He decided to act immediately, despite the long bureaucratic delays. After years of appeals, in 2016 won in Cassationstopping the construction and obtaining the demolition of the structures that (after all those years) had already been built.

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Support from environmentalists and divisions in the community

Ovid’s struggle lasted over sixteen yearssupported by many environmental associationsincluding Our Italy and ended up on the pages of the most important newspapers, even the New York Times. But not everyone was on his side: even in his own country a accompanied by “Pro Sitas”convinced that the resort would bring economic development, new jobs and tourism. For some, progress, jobs created, luxury mattered more than environmental protection. For Ovid it was the exact opposite.

Life goes like this: the film and the message of Riccardo Milani

Riccardo Milani’s film faithfully follows Marras’ story: his determination, obstacles, supporters and rejected millionaire offers. “Dividing a community is a winning strategy for exercising power”, declared the director, then reflecting on the message of the film: “I believe that development can and must be created by respecting the territory, because the dream of work and the defense of identity should always find a balance. Despoiling and defacing the environment always diminishes its value. Ovid, with his simplicity and moral rigor, gives us a lesson in ethics and dignity: not everything can be bought. Today more than ever, in a world where everything seems to be bent towards profit, it is important to talk about roots, values and a sense of belonging. The identity of places must be preserved: we must have the courage to say no.”