The Story of Franca Viola

In the early 1960s in Italy, Franca Viola, a young Sicilian woman, bravely resists the societal norms that favor male rapists over their victims. Despite facing harassment and intimidation from Filippo Melodia, who had previously proposed to her, Franca remains steadfast. Melodia orchestrates a terrifying kidnapping of Franca and her brother, aiming to force her into a reparatory marriage. However, Franca refuses to submit and becomes the first Sicilian woman to reject such a marriage proposal. This landmark case challenges traditional beliefs and eventually leads to Melodia's conviction for kidnap and rape. Franca's courageous stand paves the way for the redefinition of marriage based on love, respect, and equality in Italy.