Directed by John Appel. Starring Egidio Mecacci, Paolo Rossi, Alma Savini and Robert Papei.

ONCE a year the city of Sienna becomes a hotbed of passion, excitement and drama as the residents gather together to watch the famous palio horse race.

The race itself last just 60 seconds, but the preparation begins weeks in advance when each of the 11 districts begins bidding for the best horse and jockey.

Beautifully filmed with simple cinematography and lingering shots of the medieval city, Appelés documentary focuses on the district of Civetta where babies are baptized with the flag draped around their necks, children practise drumming and flag-waving and the local pensioners sit and reminisce about winning back in 1979.

Most of them know they probably wonét win this time, but they enjoy the camaraderie that sweeps through the district and try to ignore the corrupt capitanos and the negative fortune-tellers.

The most heartfelt observations come from a 92-year-old who looks to the ancient town tower for answers.