SPRING 2024 - Antologia del cinema Italiano: Anthology of Italian Cinema - 4 Part Series

*This is a 4 part Italian Film Study Course (March 7, March 21, April 4, April 18). Registration fee includes all four films/classes, Tasting of regional foods, wine and coffee. Classes MAY NOT be purchased separately.

    In a country devastated by war, occupation, misery and despair, the Italian cinema boldly stepped up to confront the challenges besetting the film industry and the nation-at-large. Roberto Rossellini's Roma, città aperta (1945), Vittorio DeSica’s Ladri di biciclette (1948) and many other milestone films served as an exhortation to the Italian people to resist oppression and determine their own destiny. These films - universally considered as some of the greatest of all time - served as the veritable foundation of Italian Neorealismo and similar cinematic schools throughout the world.

     In the immediate aftermath of World War II, Italian filmmakers continued to portray Italy and its people as a resolute, indefatigable, empathetic and just nation. Just as the immortal phoenix regenerates itself cyclically from its own ashes, so too Italy, consumed by the flames of war, rose up once again to face a new day and a new reality, a few degrees less harsh than actual war. The evolving Italian cinema of the late 1940s and early 1950s faithfully projected to the world the resilient and indomitable character of the Italians; and it taught the world how to confront and overcome overwhelming adversities in a most human way. Representing this crucial turning point in Italian cinematic history, four intriguing and diverse films will be presented in Italian (with English subtitles) for viewing, analysis and discussion.

*There are NO REFUNDS for cancellations or no-shows. Credit for a future program will only be issued should you cancel at least 10 days prior to your registered program. 

Among the films to be viewed, analyzed, and discussed: 

• March 7, 2024 - In nome della legge - Pietro Germi, 1949
• March 21, 2024 - Catene - Raffaello Matarazzo, 1949
• April 4, 2024 - Bellissima - Luchino Visconti, 1951
• April 18, 2024 - Lo sceicco bianco - Federico Fellini, 1952