New life for Italy’s ghost towns | DW Documentary

In 1983, Rossella Aquilanti moved to the abandoned village of Pentedattilo, in southern Italy. Today she is 63 years old and needs help with her farm. She met Maka Tounkara from Mali in a refugee shelter. The young farmer agreed to join her.
Calabria suffers from high unemployment. Many young people have had to leave the region. Rossella Aquilanti, by contrast, has created her own paradise here: 20 goats, a few olive trees and the magnificent surroundings are all she needs to be happy.
Maka Tounkara came to Italy on a refugee boat. For him, working with Rosella is an opportunity. The wages he earns allow him to support his fiancée back in Mali. Despite being very different, Rosella and Maka get on very well and work side by side.
The village of Pentedattilo, perched on the side of a mountain in Calabria, is falling increasingly to rack and ruin. But once a year it comes to life for the Pentedattilo Short Film Festival. The event draws cinema lovers, former residents, and inquisitive tourists, who have to walk the steep path up to the village.
Rossella and Maka are convinced that their simple, self-sufficient way of life could be an inspiration to others. The last two residents of Pentedattilo are hoping that other young people and migrants will follow their example and bring new life to Italy’s ghost towns.
#documentary #dwdocumentary #italy
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[@Endless_Creation-hg3of]

Thank you MAKA for staying by Rosella's side ❤❤❤

[@folashade2749]

MAKA is already making History . All the way from Mali. BRAVO YOUNG MAN.

[@bewusstsein3527]

Nah. Maka is a part of the plan.. THE globalist wanted to destroy europe by letting muslim invade europe via refugee crisis.. few decades more and you will see its fruition..

[@LifeniMercury]

Meeting a person who will treat you as family is such a blessings.

[@oalmikee1234]

I love the story about how this lady found this man and how much she injoys the help. Me too.thanks

[@Flat_Earth_Addy]

its horrible!

[@Morgan-ge6nv]

I think he found her. He is the one who travelled five thousand Kilometres.

[@leogilbert207]

​@@Flat_Earth_Addy get some help.along with some holy water for cleaning your dark heart

[@njerim7731]

This is the most wholesome, heartwarming documentary. Two humans who respect each other and make way to accept each other’s differences. Amazing!

[@woutervanlent5181]

Indeed , a lot to learn here . About tolerance and cooperation

[@HeatherGarcia-di9se]

Why is it wholesome, elaborate???

[@user-sr5kp9ig4q]

@@HeatherGarcia-di9se read the second sentence, those who have watched this video will understand without elaboration :)

[@HeatherGarcia-di9se]

@@user-sr5kp9ig4q meaning like people from different backgrounds coming together type of thing?

[@user-sr5kp9ig4q]

@@HeatherGarcia-di9se I mean, it's not that necessary, even if they will be with the same background, it would be a great story, we are social beings, and even when you are trying to be free from the big communities and constant stress to reach crazy goals, that are not actually making you happy, you still can be happy with only one person with you and with the simple life. That's what I saw, fos someone it can be different, that's their life and their way to live.

[@thaodang9806]

They’re not only different generation but also different culture. And still they make something out of the ghost town. It’s like with just 2 colors and you can still paint a picture. I love they way they show respect to each other and to the nature. This is such a heart warming document.

[@junkjournaldavao]

"And with just 2 colors and you can still paint a picture." I love that. 💙

[@bethbartlett5692]

... yes, but we share Soul energy, we are truly all of one, One Source Energy, aka Creator/God/Source. There are no limits to our Creative and Creating, to our experiencings, feeling, living, in the Harmony and cooperation that results in our Dreams Come True. "Universal Law of Attraction" is the 🔑 and it's Absolute 😘

[@doccan3848]

she obviously likes the BBC😂

[@moseslalhruaizela5617]

​@@junkjournaldavao😮😮😢😢😢😢😢😢😢5😮

[@hehhehdummy]

Strong comment

[@EllaCooking]

Love the way he helps his fiancé to have an education what he didn’t have these type of people deserve all the help!❤

[@ayhan8938]

That's being human. I finally watched this heartwarming documentary that made my day. Respect and kindness are the most beautiful things in life.

[@Derlei]

Hats off to Maka. He came to Italy for a better life, yet for many we consider this a tough life

[@stevenobinator2229]

He seems like a nice man, BUT DW is pretty much encouraging illegal movement of people by putting this together

[@kaymish6178]

​@@stevenobinator2229 Being a refugee is not illegal. Mali has been in conflict since 2012. Thats a legitimate reason to flee. And when the Europeans kicked over Libya they turned that into a place that generates legitimate refugees too.

[@stevenobinator2229]

@@kaymish6178 Why are 99% of refugees young males then? Mali may be an exception to what going on. But again 99% of migrants are economic NOT war torn situations. Europe will be replaced if something isnt done.

[@robdekoning1146]

@@kaymish6178 They mentioned he stopped in 3 other countries, like Algeria. Why not live there?

[@kaymish6178]

@@robdekoning1146 That's why I mentioned that Libya is in the middle of a civil war; there's open air slave markets there now. Algeria in particular is expelling refugees so he couldn't stay there either. All the countries he passed through were too dangerous.

[@ninobk196]

What a great documentary. What a lovely and kind hearted woman. This world needs many more like her. This is a relationship of exchange. They both feed and need each other. They both value and respect each other. It's incredible that Maka is illiterate and Rosella has helped him learn and write. I truly wish the best for them. May he prosper and I wish the best health for her. When it's time for Maka to move on, I hope she can help and pour her love and care into another young man.

[@user-nf8jk6xg3f]

I am totally agree in your view ❤

[@LockYourDoors]

I really hope there will be those who will be staying with Rosella & Maka the soonest. stay for good & build a community & revitallize the ghost town

[@adriana0476]

Maka is like her son. Non polluted,plastic food,no- stress, few people, surrounded by animals,beautiful lamdscape. Warm people,real friends,. ❤

[@lily_m3538]

But boring as people need others to talk to for their mental health.

[@wachtwoorden2]

@@lily_m3538 not everyone has the same needs... Clearly they are content on their own

[@worknfun7368]

Its her lover

[@sexymestiza3121]

​@@worknfun7368yes you are right,they kucf everynight😅😅😅

[@richardwafulaluis2791]

Two strangers meet from totally different parts of the world- this is not a life of struggle in an abandoned Town but a true embrace of what nature can provide, On that note they connect to live and support each other, and this reminds us all of how much good there is in every human beings. Maka and Rosella's story is so amazing.

[@siyandankundla-mgudlwa1888]

Truly❤

[@WankyWonk]

Unfortunately, this is something that right wing politicians in Italy and elsewhere in Europe hates. The humanity of Maka and Rosella has really shone through, while those politicians and their blinded followers have lost their humanity.

[@tuttuuti4167]

❤

[@GM-cq6ez]

Beautiffuly said!

[@elitex50]

Africa is about 200 miles off the coast of Italy it’s not that far. The question is why did he run away from his country to go to he a worse part of Italy. 😂

[@SoCalFreelance]

I could imagine eco travelers visiting Pentedattilo to stay for a few days while also contributing to clearing walking paths, tending to animals, helping with the olive harvest, renovating buildings, maintaining gardens, and providing Rossella and Maka with some foodstuff items they request. So many people would love that experience.

[@mbm_23sep]

i love to visit... if u just build the accomdations ... we wil come ... could be a great business

[@winonayap2137]

agree

[@MainulWasTaken]

Great vision

[@toy-yiebahcupido4596]

Love this idea

[@bekalazegodfrey1022]

The good thing the man he sitel young, he will get good life 😊

[@user-wv5sl5tl1l]

I shed tears after watching this documentary. Rosella and Macca, who are guarding it on behalf of those who had to leave that beautiful place, look sublime. It is beautiful to respect each other's differences and live with their own labor in nature. Thank you very much for making this video.

[@stankythecat6735]

Oh yes , me also ! It’s so beautiful and inspiring to see the best of humanity

[@MainulWasTaken]

🦾🇮🇹

[@chakat1991]

i am crying with you

[@loudabillsapalo5461]

I'm so lucky that youtube has recommended this documentary to me. I even felt the serenity deep within me as I watched the whole video. How I wish these two beautiful people knew that their story inspires people like me who lives from the other side of the world.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the tome to comment! We’re glad you liked the documentary.

[@loudabillsapalo5461]

​@@DWDocumentaryit should be me that should thank you. The whole video is worth watching for.

[@ds7901]

Thank you for this documentary. It’s heartwarming and truly inspiring. Rosella is an amazing woman and you can see Mecca’s sincerity when he said he will not leave Rosella’s side. After watching this I realized that living simply can give you happiness. I hope that someday someone can help them in restoring this beautiful place. Again, thank you for this video. Looking forward for more like this 🙏🏽

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment:)

[@Research0digo]

*Maka

[@anahata2009]

This was a treat to see. I had the good fortune to spend a week with Rosella in Pentedatilo in 2014 as a person traveling with WWOOF Italia. She is every bit as remarkable as she appears here. I think DW has painted a somewhat romanticized image of this place. The new pentedatilo town is an easy walk or rapid car ride on a paved road. And, at least in 2014, there were a few weekenders coming to work on their "getaways" in the abandoned old town. Though, to be sure, it's still mostly abandoned. I wouldn't characterize it as isolated, though. Nevertheless, Rossella is in actuality an amazing, kind, generous, and authentic person, who does genuinely choose a simple, low-impact life. One of a kind. And I will never forget the short time i had with her in such a beautiful and unique setting. Her openness and laughter stays with me. I'm happy to see this mutually beneficial relationship that has come about in the years since I was last there.

[@markjeffreys438]

Hola, can you please tell me, how do you visit, how to make reservations to stay with her. Is there a email address to communicate

[@gerrygallen5911]

I would also like to get contact details.

[@GM-cq6ez]

Thanks for the update. If you're saying that the village is more populated now, perhaps that is b/c of Italy's efforts to bring back life to these ancient and forgotten places by selling houses for one euro per.

[@patriciatom9555]

@@gerrygallen5911 Rossella Superhost 149 Recensioni 149 Recensioni 4.81 Valutazione 4.81 Valutazione 10 anni da host 10

[@datlenzguy5076]

Brought tears to my eyes as a 60 year old black man living in England to see Maka and Rosella both are beautiful people. ❤️

[@oknit8247]

I wish nothing but the best for those two and I really hope Maka can stay as long as he likes and that his fiance will join him some day in the future. No human being is illegal. ❤

[@blazer9547]

Unless it's Japan Israel India etc😂. Only westerners have to take them in got it.

[@anupdev5845]

No human being is illegal but you have to appreciate that Europe is the paradise it is today because her ancestors worked hard to make it so. They have no obligation to take in people from failed nations who don't have any contribution in the success story of Europe. They just want to come in and enjoy the benefits, that's it. It takes a lot of effort to make a successful country. So I can understand why many people hate refugees.

[@oknit8247]

@@anupdev5845 I don't agree. The wealth of Europe is built on exploitation, colonialism and imperialism.

[@b3drasse885]

@@anupdev5845 Europe thrives on stolen resources

[@xdranzer0004]

No human being is illegal but laws do exist and one country shouldn’t be the burden of the other dozens.

[@theronaldophotography4971]

This is a reminder for all of us how beautiful and satisfying it is to be simple.. Beautiful documentary.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@silviahoya]

Amazing people! I think Rosella should have her own You Tube channel, that would bring volunteers, co-workers and life back to her beautiful village!

[@anupdev5845]

I don't think she wants people to come back and repopulate the village. Why do you think she chose this abandoned village 40 years to call her home? It's certainly not because she wants to be surrounded by people to make her life miserable.

[@abdimajidmohamed1463]

Great suggestion by Sylvia Hoya

[@nanamanaaa]

omg this is a great suggestion as rn its a trend especially like those cooking videos in a village in China. I hope someone will help her for it

[@gdionwood]

I am the son of Calabrese people born a few km. from Pentedattilo, and watching this story brings tears to my eyes! It is a beautiful story of 2 wonderful people working lovingly together in one of the world's most beautiful and yet most challenging settings! It should give hope to Calabria and its people that have suffered massive exodus thanks to corruption and the greed of the mafiosi and the power brokers! I truly hope young people watching this, see the simple and unpretentious way of life the way to the future.

[@nikim5051]

Does the village name mean 5 fingers in Italian?

[@gdionwood]

@@nikim5051 That is a really good question on how it was named! as you know "penta" means 5 and "dattilo" means to gently tap, type or beat, which could lead us to believe it might mean the tapping of 5 fingers.

[@nikim5051]

@@gdionwood I know in Greek the word means 5 fingers. The narrator in the video mentioned the village was centuries old which made me wonder did the name come from ancient times during the period of Magna Graecia. So interesting, and such a beautiful village!

[@gdionwood]

@@nikim5051 It could most certainly mean 5 fingers! Also I am very sure it dates to the Magna Grecia! Pentedattilo is a (frazione) section of Melito Porto Salvo which was the centre of Greek speaking Calabria.

[@nikim5051]

@@gdionwood Wow! On my bucket list when I holiday in beautiful Italy.

[@cri4199]

Rosella, sei maravigliosa! Sei stato una vera madre per Mako! Auguri da România!💗

[@logbinder6330]

It's crazy that what for some is a reason to leave for others is a reason to come for a better future. I returned to me hometown because I realized that it wasn't as bad as I thought when I was a teenager and that I actually missed it.

[@emersonrogerio3643]

when I left the town of my parents I realized there is no good or bad place absolutely, because a good place is the one when we feel like home

[@christyengle4565]

Home is in your heart❤

[@eugenio1542]

Heartwarming. Thank Yous ☝️❤️✌️🌍🙏

[@Corporalthoroughbredvibez]

Well fu©k my hometown....

[@teddydavis2339]

What a beautiful story!

[@justinj2]

Even when there is nothing else, there's the goodness in people. This was such a heartwarming look into Rossella and Maka's lives.

[@GM-cq6ez]

... and the beautiful ancient village of Pentedattilo nestled in the lap of a stone mountain.

[@dilapnapunjabi703]

This documentary is a blessing to the mind.

[@kimkay88]

I never knew that a life like this exists in reality. Thank you for sharing this documentary! ♥️

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@jdos5643]

It seems peaceful and quiet when one is up there in the hills you can hear the wind and feel the calm breeze.

[@ReelBasileno]

Best decision for her, I can see she is happy living in that incredible environment, peaceful far from the noisy and busy streets of a city. And I can say that Macca is a good man, in return I wish him a prosperous life in the country he choose to live now.

[@jasonlee8156]

I find it remarkable that this woman has lived for years in this town as a recluse. She came there when she was in her 20's. Not married and no family. She met Macca only years later when she was older and needed help living there by herself. A paragon of self-reliance or self-sufficiency. In comparison how many men could do the same? The isolation or solitude alone would drive some crazy. This is truely remarkable.

[@paulinhopereira2558]

Marivilhoso esse video

[@Arusiuka]

This is one of the best documentary I've seen on DW. Wish them courage and a great tomorrow... The rains will come soon.

[@jamesrey1714]

This documentary is very heartwarming. Im very proud of Rosella living a simple life. Im so touched with her words of wisdom to show the world that you could live a happy life in a simplest way. Without this constant craving for more, its unhealty craving that makes you happy. Salute to you Maka, please do stay with Rosella and keep such beautiful place livable.😊

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@georgegakere8283]

A very heartwarming documentary. Rosella is a one of a kind lady for taking Maka like his child instead of just an employee. I would defintely want to visit Pentedatillo one day because how quiet and tranquil it is. Really wholesome stuff.

[@moynul313]

Such a heart warning documentary. What a kind hearted woman Rosella is. That statement at the end by Maka almost brought me to tears.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts :)

[@williamparker1085]

this really hits some of us where we live emotionally........i have travelled globally and lived on three continents but at 75 my mind often turns back to the village i grew up in

[@dialoguewithexpat4579]

Come to your hometown and live there for a rest of life. I am from China. There are so many immigrants from China to Italy and Spain, but few of them spend the rest of their lives and die aboard. Instead, they rerun to motherland and hometown here they were born and spent their childhood there. In Chinese culture, there is a saying a falling leaf should finally return to the root of which the mother tree gives its life, other it feels like a rooted duckweed. I am not sure if westerners also have this culture.

[@kramrollin69]

In Africa?

[@anupdev5845]

​@@dialoguewithexpat4579Unfortunately this doesn't work for everyone because for some of us, the place we grew up in has changed so much that it has now become unlivable and unrecognisable. Some villages have turned into cities. That means they have become concrete jungles. There is no point going back there. For someone who loves nature, I would rather find a new Village which hasn't been tainted by the effects of over-industrialization and urbanization.

[@Mishaaa-px9lj]

Two beautiful souls supporting each other. It's heartwarming to watch.

[@mywhitesanctuary6126]

So amazing that your company visited her and filmed her life there. God bless them both.. and the animals.. 💖

[@Tamar-sz8ox]

God bless & protect Rosella & Macca 🇮🇹 ( & the animals ) I’m tearing up , what Macca said about education “ it’s gives you freedom “ / he could not go to school in Mali 😭 and we take it for granted

[@esmigol-di6vf]

i unknowingly smiled when he said that now he can write his name. i am so happy for him

[@Urgleflogue]

This is so poignant, romantic, hopeful and somewhat sad... Thanks DW!

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching!

[@kamakhyadey9574]

No religion, no race , no language, no age, no skin colour can challenge the pure and unconditional love of Humanity ...it's the main ingredient of a peaceful, loving and caring World.... Loved it so much 💓🙏

[@WillAnderson3rd]

he needs to be deported

[@ninez2698]

Two people from two different generation, culture, and country, but they are just the same people from heart: kind, hard working, and enjoy simple life. What a moving wonderful story! I truly think the Italian government should grant an except to allow Maka to bring his fiancé to live with him in Italy, to give them financial support so that they can bring this ghost village to life! ❤👍🙏 thank you for this beautiful story!

[@sweetiexoxo8670]

That was so heart warming i nearly cried. God bless them both what an amazing story. Thank you for making this.❤

[@HarveyMillstone]

I cried a little myself when I read your comment. Such a beautiful story, a beautiful life. ❤

[@biblemademedoit]

I'm over here smiling and crying, beautiful people.

[@darcyroyce]

This was so wholesome. It made me emotional. Just a great example of humanity! xx

[@user-xo3fi3jb6l]

You say don’t like Italians DON’T LIE

[@darcyroyce]

@@user-xo3fi3jb6l wtf!? Who said I don't like Italians?? I like all nations, no discrimination here, my guy! 🤨

[@user-xo3fi3jb6l]

@@darcyroyce you are British YOU ARE RACIST

[@mendangkichu8483]

You like all nations???

[@darcyroyce]

@@mendangkichu8483 yep.

[@wordsw]

This was a wonderful documentary about two very strong and resilient people. Good luck Maka and Rosella.

[@randyanusencion1023]

this woman is remarkable indeed👏👏👏

[@jdos5643]

She reminds me of Naomi.

[@ryanscott2745]

When he said he would never leave Rosella’s side it hit me right in the feels ❤️

[@pearls1626]

May God help both of you.

[@lico2076]

this woman is really brave, amazing heart on her. southern Italy is so beautiful, I know Calabria and fell in love with it. I wish I could leave in such a beautiful place.

[@lico2076]

Markus is also a gift for her. I would like to pay them a visit

[@user-oi9ro7yn3e]

Now this is what we call humanity. She is a treasure, Mako is a wonderful person. Two humans just living together and happy. When she said, Mako is like a son to me, and feel joy when he started reading. Bless your hearts. Thank you DW for showing this.

[@agustinussiahaan6669]

Rosella and Maka show how a taught life could be a gentle bless.

[@CausticLemons7]

This lifestyle is not for me but I strongly believe it should be recorded and preserved for the benefit of all humanity. This peaceful way of life in harmony with nature is beautiful, and I hope people continue to respect it and work to better ourselves.

[@anupdev5845]

I shifted from a big city to a tiny village because I wanted to live this kind of lifestyle. It's been over 3 years now and I am loving it. I feel I am like Rosella and will eventually move to some abandoned village in later part of my life. I find that less people there are, less problems one faces in life. Sure there are problems but they are of different variety and doesn't involve humans. Mother Nature gives us everything we need and the problems we face in remote locations can also be overcome with the resources provided by mother nature.

[@rajasekharammallipudi2900]

Wonderful documentary. It lifted my spirits. Both Rossella and Maka are remarkable human beings.

[@jsamuelson10144]

These two share a selflessness not often seen in today's world. Very inspiring😊

[@cosimomancio9301]

So beautiful ❤️ people living in harmony 😍

[@anthonymaina2215]

What beautiful souls this woman and young man have God bless them!

[@corporateauthentication]

You have to have vision. This place is beautiful to me and I see so much potential. The architects should be freaking out over this place. Look, one place at a time. Don't complicate things. Great video and escape.

[@dekev7503]

Everything is incentivised by profit. If you invest in this region, what benefit is there financially if no one wants to move there?

[@Truthseeker371]

Land sliding. The geographical research is needed.

[@joejohnson6327]

This is just one of tens of thousands of abandoned picturesque villages in Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain & Portugal. Così è la vita, dura e spietata.

[@happiness_is_life35]

Rosella shows that materialistic life is not the only way to live even in modern days. But we can spend our life with very limited things. Thanks DW for this beautiful documentary❤❤❤

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@adasagliba7259]

Love to see and know that there are still people who are satisfied of simple living. I can feel from them the peace of mind and heart staying in that beautiful and silent place.

[@riadulislam6599]

What an extraordinary documentary, the genuine positivity reflects through their support and helping each other. This is rare.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@dynlenoir]

The simple life is wonderful! No judgement & respect... A better side of humanity.

[@jinxterx]

Except for the goats who lose their lives and get no choice in the matter.

[@dynlenoir]

@@jinxterx I can relate to that. As someone who while growing up had to know what it was like to kill animals for their carcass, I eventually realised that psychologically we can adopt to normalise bad habits and call it tradition or survival... I personally think it's horrible to see any flesh, especially other mammals as being different from our own. Experiencing autopsies, childbirths and other means of enlightenment can change the perspectives in some of us. Such is life, luckily there are cycles within it that we can't change.

[@reverentlygrim2666]

@@jinxterx And The innocent carrots too they came from a living and breathing plant the "Merciless" Rosella what a "heartless" woman.

[@jinxterx]

@@reverentlygrim2666 carrots aren't sentient; goats are.

[@Pou1gie1]

@@jinxterx How do you know? Did you ask the carrots? Because we don't speak the language of plant life, we think they don't have similar experiences to us.

[@lim8581]

Rossella Aquilanti and Maka Tounkara's story is truly inspiring. In the heart of Calabria, where unemployment is high, they've created their own paradise, working together on a farm that sustains them and supports Maka's loved ones in Mali. Their bond and determination to breathe life back into the village of Pentedattilo through hard work and hope is heartwarming. It's stories like these that remind us of the beauty of human resilience and the potential for positive change.

[@AhmedH503]

Couldn’t say better ❤

[@CallemJay_McNeill]

Maka has a beautiful heart, Im glad that they're happy to mutually help each other in their area of need

[@carmeliecuaresma235]

I would like to live here. It's been a dream to live abroad. I love the sleepy , rustic, and independent life too especially that it's Italia. I'm okay anywhere as long as it's Italy. I appreciate Rosella and Maka as well.

[@asperneto]

Much respect for people who stay and not abandon the town you've grown to love.❤

[@jasonlee8156]

According to this video she's not even a native of this town. She is from somewhere else. And she has lived there for something like 40 years. Truely amazing.

[@valerialopera9432]

Such a beautiful, heartwarming story 💛 Thank you DW for making documentaries such as this, and with it, giving me hope on our future, relationship with the earth and other people from all over the world

[@juristimma5366]

Amazing movie ...... what could be better simply life....

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

Excellent video. Grazie. 🇮🇹

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Such cool ideas. Italy has many ghosts town, maybe organize a jazz festival in a different ghost town to bring life to it

[@clarkmadrosen1780]

@@___beyondhorizon4664 or get some developers to funnel money back into the town and area and get people living there again. Such a quaint area. 🇮🇹 🇮🇹 🇮🇹 . Grazie

[@henryc1000]

She reminds me of Dick Proenneke. The conservationist, writer, and wildlife photographer who, from the age of about 51, lived alone for nearly thirty years (1968-1998) in the mountains of Alaska in a log cabin that he built from scratch.

[@carinagarcia5433]

Very nice woman , I hope Maka continue working with her.

[@Endless_Creation-hg3of]

I truly Love the FILM FESTIVAL ❤❤❤ it's Brilliant!

[@ZeCabreirasJournal]

I'm from the Philippines, and I think I can live in Pentedattilo. I love this kind of life. A tiny space there me that I can call my own will do. God bless Rosella and Maka!

[@roronoa_kenshin]

No need to tell na galing ka Pinas, wla namn may pake eh lol

[@tarzanal33]

there are some places here in south italy where you can literally buy a house for 1 euro. try to get info and good luck :)

[@isaacwabwile6460]

It is an incredible documentary of how two people of different origin can meet and live for each other. Salute Rossela and Maka ,and cheers to long life and good health.

[@woutervanlent5181]

Well said Isaac !

[@imagineitsart4385]

Ma sha Allah he was praying...❤...and that lady ooo so beautiful ❤❤

[@bajacaliforniarealestate1455]

What a beautiful relationship these two people have with each other. So unique in our crazy world. This was a very inspiring documentary. Thank you for doing it.

[@MSMS-ug3zu]

Towards the end of the film, I cried. Is there more beautiful friendship than this?

[@annenjamwea1683]

Such a beautiful story /experience to share !

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching!

[@violetabanagenkito3213]

Lovely. A beautiful love story ❤️

[@margeglorioso5898]

This documentary is so inspiring. I so love their symbiotic relationship.

[@strollingthroughparadise353]

What a beautiful film about hope and determination. They both show that you can do what you feel is worth doing even when the odds seem to be against you.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment!

[@thomasweatherford5125]

Rosella is fortunate to have a companion like Macca. Maybe in the future he can get married and raise a family there. Incredible story

[@mohamedmnissar238]

He said he consider her like his mom

[@msg5879]

@@mohamedmnissar238 i think he meant get married with his fiance bring her to pentedatilo and start a family there

[@mohamedmnissar238]

@@msg5879 maybe

[@Alex_Rome]

He actually said he has a wife back in Mali and wishes he would be able to bring her there once he'll have all the documents.

[@thomasweatherford5125]

@@Alex_Rome - I thought he said she was his fiancé. 🤔

[@fira5569]

I found this video is so beautiful yet so touching for me🥹🫶

[@Rollingwithkim]

This really so incredibly beautiful seeing two people from different cultures living in a beautiful happy life. I really didn't even want this documentary to end

[@chinwefavourunachukwu7303]

This is the most heartwarming video on the internet. Two people: different race, ethnicity, generation and culture coming together to stand up for one another is truly amazing. If they are shows involving both of them, I don't mind watching them all. It's so beautiful. Together with this serene environment and animals, they could easily make a beautiful portrait

[@gachzedek]

This is beautiful. So beautiful that my eyes started to tear up. This reminded me of my favorite author: "we are humankind only when we give and live from the heart, otherwise we are only mankind." Thank you, DW Documentary.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment, David!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

A beautiful story, two people helping each other. A great story! Thank you for the video!

[@narendraraje596]

What a relation between two strangers..... Hats off both of them. It is wrong to call it, ghost town, actually it is paradise for them.

[@sengnumai6534]

The passion between worker and business owner is priceless. As myself an Asian, I rarely see how Asian employers treat its employees this way. And I cannot stop watching DW news. It's never disappoint me. Thank you very much for the great documentary.

[@jrbelmonte1466]

I hope Italian government will allow Maka and his family including his fiancé to settle down and populate the abandoned community to bring the life back to it.

[@Blurb111]

@@mch4735there are more than 32.000.000 Italian descendants living in Brazil. They immigrate too.

[@donaltrump7121]

No, Italy for Italians

[@jrbelmonte1466]

@@donaltrump7121 but Italians are leaving Italy.

[@tarzanal33]

@@jrbelmonte1466 he's dumb

[@LuckyLucky-xp2sz]

No.

[@LaureninGermany]

Thank you for showing us how Rosella and Maka live. It’s fascinating and very touching.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thanks for watching:)

[@m.51373]

Thank you so much for this wonderful film. I am uplifted after experiencing it’s magic.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you watching!

[@jomama5186]

Italy needs to preserve the rooves in as many of those villages as they can, to save the homes. I love this idea. Spain is doing it also. I bet it was a wonderful place and can be again.

[@arbaz79]

What a lovely & beautiful documentary ❤️. The story of Makka & Rosella is wholesome and heartwarming.Rosella is a very kind lady for giving out a helping hand to a hardworking refugee.Personally I would love to live in this ghost town because its very peaceful surronded by nature.All that matters is that Rosella is happy & satisfied for living in this town.She is doing what she loves.It was very sweet of Makka to say that he will stay by Rosella's side till the very end ❤.

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@jietam_87]

It's the kind of life I wanted to live. If only I could get to Italy and live in this place, I would be very happy.

[@jasonfitzpatrick414]

Try an airplane or a ship.

[@Italian175]

Where do you live? I live in Naples close to calabria

[@renzzz1908]

Such an inspiring, heart warming and wholesome documentary. I am excited to see Pentedattilo's coming back to life, all thanks to Rossella, Maka and the short film guy. As a film, food, and nature enthusiast, I am hoping to visit Pentedattilo's film festival, enjoy Rossella's food and savor the place's fresh air someday. Thank you DW Documentary for giving us this one of a kind story! 🥰💞

[@Liss1122]

I’m so happy to have found this short documentary. It’s truly inspiring to see Maka and Rosella living a content life amongst the rubble of this ghost town. It’s such a beautiful little village and it has such potential, but I can see why it was abandoned because willpower doesn’t seem a match to the powers of nature. The landslides will likely continue as the normal processes of erosion occur. I hope the very best for Maka. He’s such an inspiration to me. He rides and walks so far to learn a language because he knows this is the only way to build a better future for himself. I’m sure he feels very displaced living as a refugee in a foreign land without his family.

[@jenniferjemison636]

Yes, but he is also benefitting, getting a salary to send his fiance to school and help his mother. At least he's not in Rome running away from the police as I've seen before . I wish them well. Two good people ❤

[@GM-cq6ez]

A place like Pentedattilo could benefit from people with the same appreciation of preserving its beauty as Rosella has. People, who understand how to prevent/stop erosion on steep slopes; e.g. planting grass & shrubs, adding vegetation, build terraces and diverting rain water. Landslides may be prevented with some knowledge of nature.

[@ledlight6630]

It's really pity such a beautiful place abounded by people, thanks for this wonderful documentary ❤

[@johan_johansson_]

100%

[@DWDocumentary]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment :)

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

Hopefully there are digital normad who can work in different ghost town in Italy to bring life to the town

[@spenceradams7041]

According to Google Earth images, ghost town no more!

[@jimswan7623]

A beautiful story. I am glad their life’s paths crossed and maybe a new Mali homeland ❤

[@ksidnfurnekaoajdbdjfkn]

Through their self-sufficient lifestyle, they become a beacon of inspiration for others, offering a ray of light to Italy's struggling ghost towns. Their determination to revitalize the village and their belief in a better future exemplify the power of collaboration and resilience.

[@jaybministros7980]

Rosella is a great example of self-sufficiency.

[@ginnyarquio850]

Worth watching. Heartwarming. Im glad they have each other. Two beautiful souls. I hope Makka will succeed in life and will be able bring his fiancee to Italy so they will be together.

[@sksk270]

Love this type of news coverage, of how others are living under unique and different situations. This one has a calming effect and very inspiring. Am definitely aspiring to live and adhere to such a mindset and lifestyle. Please do continue to share these excellent documentations! Thank you!

[@SHERRI-gc6ko]

She Is Amazing God Sent Angel To Her😊

[@undergroundauthority3305]

MAKA IS GREAT. Long live the lady and her ghost village 😢❤❤❤