Luca

Synopsis

In 1959, Luca Paguro – a timid young sea monster – herds goatfish off the coast of an Italian seaside town named Portorosso. His parents forbid him from going near the surface, fearing that the townsfolk – who have heard rumours of sea creatures in their waters – will harm him if Luca is spotted. One day, Luca meets Alberto Scorfano, a slightly older teenage sea monster, and the two quickly become friends. Despite his parents’ worries, Luca and Alberto sneak off to the surface – where they transform into human boys as soon as they’re out of the water – and embark on a number of adventures. Most of all they love to dream about owning a scooter together, and when they find out about the annual triathlon competition that features a cash prize for the winners, they decide to enter in a team with their new human friend, Giulia. ‘Luca’ is a sweet coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up which also provides a gentle introduction to Italian culture and language-learning.