It was presented out of competition at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival, causing a boycott from the Italian government.

Beginning from the earthquake in L'Aquila in 2009, the film investigates the way the Protezione Civile reacted to the catastrophe.

It is shown as an extension of the government, not respecting the law, and putting political service above its responsibilities of the crisis.

The Italian culture minister Sandro Bondi boycotted the Cannes Film Festival because of the selection of Draquila, describing it as propaganda.

He later responded to criticism about him stating he had seen the film in a private screening by ultimately admitting to not having seen it at all.