Accattone (Motion picture)

Accattone ([akkatˈto:ne], lit. "vagabond", "scrounger") is a 1961 Italian drama film written and directed by Pier Paolo Pasolini, and starring Franco Citti. It was Pasolini's first film as a director, as well as the acting debut for Citti, who would become a regular collaborator. It follows the life of Vittorio "Accattone" Cataldi, a pimp living on the outskirts of Rome. The film premiered at the 22nd Venice International Film Festival, where it met with controversy over its provocative content, and was later withdrawn from general release over censorship, drawing condemnation from Pasolini and others. It was nonetheless critically acclaimed and earned three Nastro d'Argento nominations, including Best Director for Pasolini and Best Actor for Citti. Citti was also nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actor. In 2008, the film was preserved by the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage’s 100 Italian films to be saved.