The Siege of Paradise

Local title
Paradiisi piiramine
Original title
The Siege of Paradise
Director
Gar O'Rourke
Year
2026

TikTokers and influencers descend on “the most beautiful place in the world,” clashing with local residents.

The Cinque Terre, located on Italy’s northern Riviera, are renowned for their stunning views. But it is precisely this beauty that attracts some four million tourists each year, posing challenges for the nearly 4,000 locals. Over the course of one summer, the film follows six people, including restaurant owner Carmelo, winegrower Bartolo, and influencers Grace and Izabel.

With cheeky charm, director Gar O’Rourke (“Sanatorium”) sheds light on the tensions between tourism and local life, asking what remains of a cultural identity when a place becomes a social media dream destination.

The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival where Lukas Gut’s cinematography received a Special Mention.

Director
Gar O'Rourke
Producer
Andrew Freedman, Ken Wardrop, Jessie Hayden
Co-producer
Luzius Fischer, Philipp Ritler, Sebastiano Luca Insinga
Cinematographer
Lukas Gut
Editing
John Murphy
Composer
Denis Kilty
Production
Venom Films
World sales
MetFilm Sales
Runtime
Language
Subtitles

Screenings

Screening031418 / Paradiisi piiramine
SubtitlesEnglish
Screening duration
Screening045218 / Paradiisi piiramine
SubtitlesEnglish
Screening duration
Screening073121 / Paradiisi piiramine
SubtitlesEnglish
Screening duration
Trailer