Details
In 1956, Roberto Rossellini is in the midst of a personal and artistic crisis. His recent films with Ingrid Bergman failed, their marriage was unravelling, and the press was relentless.
When Bergman returned to Hollywood, Rossellini accepted an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Nehru to document India’s progress. Made entirely of archive footage and interviews, this documentary tracks Rossellini’s creative rebirth, from “the father of Neorealism” to a pioneer of Italian television features and a filmmaker who had managed to keep his independent spirit.
Featuring words from Francois Truffaut, Ingrid Bergman, Aldo Tonti, Tinto Brass and many others, it is also a spotlight on the people around him, that co-created this legacy.
Showing alongside Roberto Rossellini’s rarely screened short film, Undersea Fantasy (Fantasia Sottomarina) | 1940 | 10 mins. With thanks to Archivio Luce and Cinecittà.
The earliest extant Rossellini film. Undersea creatures shot through an aquarium. The tale of two fish in love, threatened by an octopus and saved by an eel.
The screening on Sunday the 5th of July was followed by a Q&A with Ilaria de Laurentiis and Raffaele Brunetti and played as part of Italian Doc Season 2026. Hosted by Malaika Bova, curator of Italian Doc Season 2026. Presented by Cinecittà and Archivio Luce, in collaboration with Italian Cultural Institute of London.
Screening times and booking
Prices
Adult: £9
Senior: £7
Student: £7