Terre Alte (2018)

We are in the eastern part of the Val d'Aosta. The valley is dominated by a sea of perennial ice that covers the peaks of the largest mountain range in the Alpine chain, its ridge marking the natural border between Italy and Switzerland. In the shadow of this giant lies the Val di Lys, inscised into the sonty grounds by the torrent after which it is named, but also known as the Gressoney valley. The echo of the "high lands", the power of their appeal, seem to have a stronger impact especially on the younger population. This holds true for Federico and Federico. They are united by name and a common project: resuming ancient farming practices, adding a few technical innovations and thus recovering the great heritage of alpine horticulture. It holds true for Marta, a young shepherd from a small hamlet of Gressoney, who raises Rosset sheep, an ancient native breed form the Aosta valley, now on the verge of extinction. Nearby, in the Val d'Ayas, which runs parallel to the Val di Lys, the young Gondrand has decided to carry on the ancient tradition of the sabotiers, the artisans who make "sabots", the famous wooden clogs so typical for local craftsmanship.