he 19th edition of the Rome Film Festival witnessed a captivating premiere—“Italo Calvino Nelle Città,” a documentary that delves into the life of one of Italy’s greatest literary figures, Italo Calvino. Directed by Davide Ferrario and written by Marco Belpoliti, the film is a tribute to Calvino’s enduring legacy as it celebrates his centenary year. As a documentary, it bridges the literary and cinematic worlds, offering audiences an immersive experience through the cities that shaped Calvino’s work.

Reactions from both fans and critics have been overwhelmingly positive. Early reviews praised the documentary for its insightful portrayal of Calvino’s life, its intellectual depth, and the masterful way it integrates the cities Calvino inhabited with the themes in his literary works. Viewers were particularly struck by the seamless transitions between the documentary’s real-world locations and the imaginative landscapes that Calvino crafted in his writings, most notably his renowned work, “Invisible Cities”.

Italo Calvino Nelle Città Premiere night at Rome Film Festival

Held at the prestigious Maxxi Museum in Rome, the premiere of “Italo Calvino Nelle Città” was one of the most highly anticipated events at the 19th Rome Film Festival, particularly within the FreeStyle Arts section. The event attracted a mix of film enthusiasts, literary scholars, and prominent figures from the Italian film industry, creating an atmosphere charged with excitement and intellectual curiosity.

Among the attendees were some of Italy’s most distinguished filmmakers and actors, who expressed their admiration for the documentary’s rich narrative and artistic execution. It was clear that the film’s ability to merge literature and cinema resonated deeply with both audiences and critics alike. The synergy between Davide Ferrario’s directorial vision and Marco Belpoliti’s masterful script was lauded for its sensitivity in capturing the essence of Calvino’s complex inner world.

One of the key achievements of “Italo Calvino Nelle Città” is its ability to balance the visual beauty of its settings with a deep understanding of Calvino’s literary themes. Ferrario and Belpoliti do not merely show the cities; they explore them as living, breathing entities that influenced Calvino’s worldview and literary philosophy. From the bustling streets of Paris to the reflective calm of Sanremo, the film’s cinematography captures the essence of each location, making it not only a biographical journey but a meditation on the nature of cities as seen through the eyes of one of Italy’s most influential writers.

Italo Calvino Nelle Città Summary and Synopsis

The heart of “Italo Calvino Nelle Città” lies in its exploration of the cities that influenced Calvino’s imagination, both visible and invisible. The documentary paints an evocative picture of Calvino’s life, taking viewers from Sanremo, where Calvino spent his early years, to Torino, where he worked and engaged with post-war intellectual life, and further on to the metropolises of Paris, Rome, and New York.

Valerio Mastandrea, Alessio Vassallo, Filippo Scotti, and Violante Placido embody key figures from Calvino’s world, creating a narrative that blurs the lines between the past and the present. These actors are more than mere performers; they serve as the conduits through which Calvino’s experiences in these cities are vividly reconstructed. Mastandrea, in particular, delivers a standout performance, guiding the audience through Calvino’s emotional landscapes, from the serene Mediterranean shores of his youth to the chaotic intellectual fervor of post-war Europe.

The cities Calvino lived in played a central role in shaping both his personal life and his literary output. In Sanremo, a town on the Italian Riviera, Calvino’s deep connection with nature began to take root, a theme that would surface repeatedly in his work. Torino, however, was where Calvino truly blossomed as a writer. During his time there, he became involved with Cesare Pavese and Elio Vittorini, key figures in the Italian literary movement known as Neorealism.

The documentary brings to life these urban settings and their significance in shaping his thought processes. Paris, a city that welcomed Calvino during his most productive years, allowed him to immerse himself in the intellectual scene and experiment with new literary forms. His time in Rome and New York further expanded his horizons, exposing him to modernity’s growing complexities. Each of these cities is presented not just as a backdrop but as an active participant in his creative journey.

On social media, the film sparked enthusiastic discussions among literary and film enthusiasts alike. Many viewers took to Twitter and Instagram to share their thoughts, calling the documentary a “must-watch” for anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of Calvino’s genius. Fans of Calvino’s work celebrated the way in which the film brought new life to the cities that have long existed in his literature but are now given form and substance through the documentary’s visual narrative.

Starcast of Italo Calvino Nelle Città

The documentary’s cast was pivotal in bringing Calvino’s journey to life. Valerio Mastandrea, as the lead narrator and guide through the cities, captures Calvino’s intellectual and emotional essence. Alessio Vassallo, Filippo Scotti, and Violante Placido also play significant roles, giving dimension to the people in Calvino’s life and the cities that shaped his writings.

Behind the scenes, Davide Ferrario’s direction shines as he expertly balances the intellectual weight of the subject matter with visually stunning depictions of the cities themselves. Marco Belpoliti’s screenplay skillfully weaves together biographical details, philosophical insights, and literary analysis, making the documentary both accessible and profoundly enriching for audiences familiar with Calvino’s works.

What can the fans expect?

Audiences eager to experience this remarkable documentary can look forward to its theatrical release in Italy. “Italo Calvino Nelle Città” is scheduled for a limited release in Italian cinemas on October 28, 29, and 30, 2024. While the initial release is limited, there is growing anticipation for wider distribution, with many hoping for international screenings and eventual streaming availability.

This release is timely, coinciding with the centenary of Italo Calvino’s birth in 1923. As such, the film serves as both a celebration of Calvino’s life and a profound reflection on the enduring relevance of his work.