Violated Souls
12 september 2025
h. 19:10
Italian Contest – Feature Film
Brief Synopsis:
An intense journey into the dark heart of emotional scams: Violated Souls gives voice to men and women who, lured by fake profiles and promises of love, become trapped in a web of psychological manipulation, financial devastation, and emotional isolation. Through authentic and touching stories, the film reveals how these criminal organizations craft tailored dreams to deceive their victims, leaving them overwhelmed by shame and pain. But it is not just a tale of deceit – it is a story of resilience, denunciation, and emotional rebuilding, urging audiences to reflect on human fragility and the strength to rise again after being broken. A powerful, timely, and profoundly human testimony.
Director’s Notes:
Violated Souls weaves real testimonies with dreamlike imagery and a minimalist soundtrack, creating a visionary and hypnotic dimension. The goal is to replicate the sense of disorientation experienced by victims of emotional scams, immersing the viewer in an experience that blurs the line between reality and illusion, especially in the era of deepfake and artificial intelligence. A film that explores shame, humiliation, and loneliness, while inviting reflection on how anyone can become vulnerable.