How a Swiss restaurant gave Filippo a second chance after burnout
Filippo's life took a sharp turn when a breakdown left him hospitalised and isolated. Once a vibrant professional, he withdrew from society, his weight dropping to just 55 kilograms. His journey back began at Osteria all'Undici, a Swiss restaurant helping people with mental health struggles re-enter the workforce.
The crisis started when Filippo's neighbour heard him screaming at church bells and found him in tears. He was taken to hospital and later advised to admit himself to a psychiatric clinic. There, he spent 46 days under care before being released with a temporary disability pension, labelled an 'invalid' and 'unfit to work'.
After his release, Filippo took a job as a waiter at Osteria all'Undici. The restaurant specialises in supporting individuals facing mental or social challenges. While working there, he began filming his colleagues, using the camera to confront his own past and highlight the realities of mental health recovery.
His project evolved into the documentary Osteria all'Undici – A Fresh Start After Burnout. The film follows employees as they transition between sheltered work and the open job market. Filippo's approach blends analytical depth with deep empathy, offering a raw but hopeful look at rebuilding lives after burnout.
The documentary stands as a record of Filippo's recovery and the restaurant's role in supporting vulnerable workers. Since 2010, however, no further updates on Osteria all'Undici's impact or partnerships have been made public. The film remains a testament to the challenges—and possibilities—of reintegration after mental health crises.
