Celebrate Ferragosto with 70 Years of Italian Cinema

"Under the Riccione Sun"

Many of us are missing our annual trips to Italy this year. During this time of COVID and quarantine, I’ve explored decades of Italian cinema that I had never delved into before.

When I started writing for Fra Noi Magazine many moons ago and then starting this blog, my mission was to focus on contemporary Italian cinema, hence the name Italian Cinema Today. With a few exceptions, one glance at the sidebar of interviews and profiles, you’ll see that I’ve been pretty true to that original vision. This year, however, has been different. With a lot more time on my hands and the centennial years of three greats—Federico Fellini, Alberto Sordi and Franca Valeri—I’ve been watching the cinema of their generation, which has brought me back to the 1950s and ‘60s. It’s been a unique experience that has made me nostalgic and sad at times, knowing that so many of those larger-than-life filmmakers are no longer with us. Above all, though, I am grateful for having discovered these wonderful films, even if I am pretty late to the game.

"A Sunday in August"

During these months, I’ve watched endless hours of old footage and have concluded that Sordi and Fellini gave exceptional interviews. Fellini started out as a journalist, so he knew what it was like being on the other side asking questions, and I believe having that perspective gave him some extra patience and empathy. I’ve found Sordi to be the same–very patient and articulate when talking to journalists. What a dream to interview those two.

So, my annual Ferragosto post is a little longer this year because I’ve discovered some real gems as well as a brand new series that came to Netflix just last month. So take a break from reality and lose yourself in these films, visiting Italian beaches from the North to the South with beautiful people and sights.

Luciano Emmer’s 1950 “La domenica d'agosto” (A Sunday in August) has become one of my favorite Marcello Mastroianni works. The film follows four different stories all tied to an Ostia beach on a sweltering Sunday in August.

Antonio Pietrangeli’s 1957 “Souvenir D'Italie” (It Happened in Rome) follows three young women as they hitchhike from northern Italy to the Eternal City. Each finds romance with handsome suitors played by the likes of Sordi, Vittorio De Sica, Massimo Girotti and Antonio Cifariello. Sordi is hilarious in the role of Sergio Battistini, the boy toy of a wealthy older woman.

Vittorio Sala’s 1959 “Costa Azzurra” (Wildcats on the Beach) follows a few storylines, including Alberto (Sordi) as he accompanies his wife Giovanna (Giovanna Ralli) to the French Riviera for a movie audition and unexpectedly ends up being called back for a role. Sordi is comedy gold and his Roman accent and mannerisms are laugh-out-loud funny. If you are easily offended, though, skip this one. There is political incorrectness galore. If you keep in mind that it was made 60 years ago, it'll be easier to appreciate the humor.

Dino Risi's 1962 "Il Sorpasso" (The Easy Life) is the complex and tragic story of two acquaintances who leave the vacant streets of Rome on Ferragosto and head to the sea. Vittorio Gassman is young and charming as a carefree and careless wise guy.  Click here to stream it on iTunes.

Gianni Di Gregorio's 2009 contemporary classic "Mid-August Lunch" is the hilarious story of a middle-aged man who lives with his elderly mother. As the traditional Italian holiday weekend of August 15 approaches, his landlord, friend and doctor persuade him to let their elderly relatives stay with him in return for favors. Click here to stream it for free on Tubi.

The newly released Italian comedy series "Under the Riccione Sun" became available on Netflix in July. Directed by Antonio Usbergo and Niccolo Celaia, the series follows the adventures of a group of teenagers vacationing on the northern Italian seaside. Click here to stream it.

Buon Ferragosto, enjoy!