EXCLUSIVE: Rai Cinema is getting behind a feature inspired by a real-life operation involving Italian intelligence, elite special forces and the Foreign Ministry’s Crisis Unit to evacuate Palestinian children wounded in air strikes from the war-torn territory.

The cinema arm of Italy‘s state broadcaster is joining forces with Rome-based MasiFilm on the production, working titled Defence Line – Gaza, which also has the participation of HBO Max.

Alessandro Tonda is set to direct the feature, which follows in the wake of his well-received 2025 drama The Negotiator (Il Nibbio), inspired by a real-life Italian intelligence officer who was killed in an operation to free a journalist being held hostage in Baghdad.

The synopsis for the new film reads: “To evacuate a group of children wounded in air strikes from a hospital in Gaza, an Italian intelligence analyst and a former special forces operative working for the Italian External Intelligence and Security Agency (AISE) join forces to establish a humanitarian corridor with the support of the Franciscan mission in the Holy Land. As they navigate the chaos and moral ambiguities of a devastating conflict, they are forced to confront not only the dangers around them, but also the deepest wounds within themselves.”

The film will be shot in Italian, English and Arabic; filming is set to begin this summer.

The cast features Sara Serraiocco (Vermiglio) in the role of a highly skilled intelligence analyst from the State Police; Stefano Accorsi (Diamonds) as a former special forces veteran now working undercover for AISE; and Vinicio Marchioni (There’s Still Tomorrow) in the role of Twist, commanding the Army’s Ninth Regiment, the elite commando unit.

The production is described as “a high-profile institutional project” developed in collaboration with the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, the Department of Information and Security, the External Information and Security Agency, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

“Defence Line – Gaza stems from a collaboration between the film industry and Italian institutions to tell the story of the often-unseen work carried out by those operating in crisis zones,” said Rai Cinema CEO Paolo Del Brocco.

“Dialogue with the organisations involved has enabled us to build an authentic narrative that captures the complexity of humanitarian operations and the importance of cooperation between civilian and military bodies. Inspired by real events, the film focuses on the value of life and the courage of those working in extreme situations. We believe this film will resonate with a wide audience, succeeding in creating a story with a powerful emotional and social impact.”

Rome-based MasiFilm’s recent productions include Giuseppe Tornatore’s documentary Brunello: The Gracious Visionary, Stefano Casertano’s Elena’s War, and Monica Guerritore’s Anna Magnani bio-pic Anna.

“With Defence Line – Gaza, we are taking on a highly ambitious production challenge: to create an Italian action-thriller with an international scope, capable of combining cinematic tension, operational authenticity and spectacular action,” said MasiFilm producer Massimiliano Di Lodovico.

“We are working to create a contemporary, immersive and credible film that can connect with a global audience whilst maintaining a strong Italian identity.”

The film will be distributed theatrically in Italy by 01 Distribution, whilst international sales will be handled by Rai Cinema International Distribution.