by InTrieste
In the vibrant Trieste of Franco Basaglia, 51 years ago, a revolutionary social enterprise took root, founded by 16 patients from the Psychiatric Hospital and 12 professionals. Their mission: restore dignity to patients as citizens and workers, birthing an innovative form of collaboration that now defines Italy’s social landscape with over 20,450 cooperatives. As Franco Basaglia’s centenary approaches in 2024, CLU (Cooperativa Lavoratori Uniti) Franco Basaglia shares its untold story in the documentary “50 Years of CLU,” directed by Erika Rossi and co-written with journalist Massimo Cirri.
Trieste, the birthplace of this pioneering social cooperative, saw the inception of the world’s first in 1972. Led by Basaglia, the psychiatric hospital dismantled oppressive rules, initiating social reintegration. CLU officially emerged on December 16, 1972, overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and legal challenges.
In 2024, marking Basaglia’s centenary, CLU’s history unfolds in Rossi’s documentary, premiering at the Trieste Film Festival on January 20. Massimo Cirri guides viewers through CLU’s origin and present, capturing 50 years of impactful activities and its mission to restore dignity through work.
CLU President Ivan Brajnik emphasizes the daily challenge of balancing social goals with market rules. The documentary features insights from historical figures, including Augusto Debernardi and Giovanna Del Giudice, who played pivotal roles in CLU’s evolution.
As the documentary premieres, Rossi presents CLU as an intriguing yet lesser-known entity emerging from Basaglia’s Trieste—a “forge of freedom, possibilities, and new ideas” transforming the psychiatric hospital from the 1970s.
Massimo Cirri reflects on CLU’s relevance in a world that often overlooks the marginalized, seeing it as an ongoing narrative where protagonists demonstrate that changing the world remains possible.
Nicoletta Romeo, Director of Trieste Film Festival, expresses delight in presenting Rossi’s work, acknowledging her attention to social issues. CLU President Ivan Brajnik emphasizes the ongoing challenge of being both a social cooperative and a market-oriented enterprise.
Two key voices from Basaglia’s historical team, psychiatrists Peppe Dell’Acqua and Giovanna Del Giudice, underscore the documentary’s contemporary relevance, emphasizing the enduring struggle for citizenship rights.
The documentary delves into CLU’s journey, overcoming legal obstacles to become the world’s first social cooperative. With 186 members and 90 non-member workers, CLU contributes to various sectors, symbolically operating in the Cultural Park of San Giovanni.
“50 Years of CLU: From 1972 to the Cooperative of the Third Millennium” commemorates the milestone of the world’s first social cooperative, reflecting on the challenges, triumphs, and ongoing mission of CLU.
