Core Viewpoint - The documentary "Fiume o Morte!" directed by Igor Bezinović explores the historical event of Gabriele D'Annunzio's occupation of Fiume, highlighting the dangers of fascist politics and the impact of media on public memory, while connecting past events to contemporary political issues [1][3][22]. Group 1: Film Overview - The film combines historical footage with contemporary reenactments, allowing local citizens to participate in the recreation of the 1919 occupation of Fiume, thus revealing the dangers of fascist politics and the intrusion of media into public memory [3][4][10]. - It received the highest honor, the Golden Tiger Award, at the Rotterdam International Film Festival, recognized for its experimental and rebellious nature [1][3]. Group 2: Historical Context - The story is set in Rijeka (formerly Fiume), where the aftermath of World War I led to a political vacuum and ethnic conflicts over the city's governance, with competing factions causing violence [4][5]. - D'Annunzio's rise to power during this chaotic period is depicted through a satirical lens, showcasing how he capitalized on the situation to declare the occupation of Fiume [5][12]. Group 3: Narrative Techniques - The film employs a unique narrative structure that integrates historical images with citizen performances, creating multiple narrative voices and revealing the emptiness of historical footage [6][8]. - It uses juxtaposition of past and present imagery to critique the official narratives and highlight the performative nature of political events [8][10]. Group 4: Ideological Implications - D'Annunzio's understanding of media's power is emphasized, as he utilized photography to promote his political ideology, which later influenced fascist propaganda techniques [11][12]. - The film critiques the glorification of D'Annunzio as a heroic figure, instead focusing on the ordinary soldiers and their sacrifices, thus challenging the traditional heroic narrative [17][19]. Group 5: Conclusion and Reflection - The film ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political absurdity and the need for vigilance against the repetition of history, urging viewers to critically assess historical narratives and the role of media [22][23]. - The closing imagery of bridges symbolizes the connection between past and present, reinforcing the importance of remembering historical events to prevent future atrocities [23].