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Showing posts from June, 2014

Interview: Marco Bellocchio

The cinematic world of Italian maestro Marco Bellocchio is one that encompasses a multitude of layers. His films speak about complex topics, including political movements, Italian history, and family relations. They do so in a way that combines the artistry of filmmaking with music and dialogue rendering his films iconic works that document the history and generations of his country. He communicates the messages of his films in a universal style that translates clearly to international audiences. The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in New York recently honored the distinguished career of Bellocchio in a retrospective that included 18 of the director's films. The works spanned from the very beginning of his career right up until today, demonstrating his ability to evolve with the changing times, while maintaining his signature elements of rebellion, psychoanalysis, mystery, and fascination. On the occasion of the retrospective, a press conference was held at the Italian Cultural Ins

Gianni Amelio: An Iconic Filmmaker Inspired by Humble Beginnings

The films of this year’s edition of Open Roads: New Italian Cinema, the annual film series hosted by the Film Society of Lincoln Center in New York, reflect a country in crisis. Italians are facing unprecedented economic challenges right now with the loss of jobs and a political infrastructure lacking the stability needed to get the country back on track. Each director featured in the Open Roads festival communicates that crisis in a uniquely different way; some with comedy, some with anger and resentment, and others with humble characters who will do just about anything to put food on the table. This brings me to veteran director, Gianni Amelio, and what a class act. I had the pleasure of talking with Amelio while he was in New York promoting two films included in this year’s edition of Open Roads- a documentary titled, "Happy to be Different," which explores gay life in Italy after the fall of fascism through the early '80s and "L’intrepido," the story of

Edoardo Winspeare: Puglia on the World's Stage

Born in Austria, director Edoardo Winspeare spent his childhood in the enchanting land of Apulia, where his Italian origins go back 300 years.   That experience is strongly present in his work today.   Winspeare's love for the southern Pugliese culture is expressed in his approach to filmmaking. Utilizing his documentary background, he is known for calling upon local musicians and casting many non-professional actors. His 2014 film, "In grazia di Dio" (Quiet Bliss) Made its North American premiere at Lincoln Center's annual film series, Open Roads: New Italian Cinema. Shot in Salento, the film  reflects the current economic crisis facing Italians. Members of a family are forced to downsize their lives, selling their childhood home and taking on the laborious tasks of farmhouse peasants. Led by the family's matriarchs, Adele and her mother, the family manages to hold on to its dignity while making a living during the hardest of times. In a poignant scene, Adel

Gianfranco Rosi’s New Film Underway

“ I want to tell the story of the island of Lampedusa and its inhabitants beyond the tragic arrival of migrants, whose presence will however be felt, like an echo.” Gianfranco Rosi, 2013 Golden Lion winner in Venice for "Sacro Gra"- recently talked about his new film to be produced by RAI Cinema, Cinecittà Luce and Avventurosa, in co-production with the French company, Les Films d'Ici.   "In the beginning, I thought of doing a short, but after two surveys, I thought it would be impossible to condense into ten minutes- stories that were going to tell the story of an island.”  Rosi plans to move to the island of Lampedusa in September. “I need to immerse myself in what I want to tell before I start shooting, and only then slowly, slowly find my narrative process. It is a very complex challenge. I hope to be up to the challenge.”  The possible title for the film is Aria Rossa, “because it's about a part of the island where things happen I want to show in the fil