2011 06 07 - IFF - 1860

The festival will open with the film "1860" by director Alessandro Blasetti (1900-1987). The film depicts the events surrounding the May 1860 Battle of Calatafimi (in which the Sicilians rebelled against and defeated the troops of the King of Naples) through the story of a young shepherd who leaves his new bride to join the rebels. He carries a message to Garibaldi in Genoa asking for support.

　

Date: 7 June 2011

Venue: Cathay Cineplex

Time: 7:30 pm

　

This Film Festival forms part of the "Italian Season 2011", a series of high profile artistic and cultural events presented by the Italian Institute of Culture in celebration of the 150^th Anniversary of the Unification of Italy (1861 – 2011). The Festival will narrate a rediscovery of the most important stages of the history of Italy through the eyes of great filmmakers

The film “1860” is widely considered as the forerunner of the extensive period of Italian neo-realism. The events surrounding the May 1860 Battle of Calatafimi, in which the Sicilians rebelled against and defeated the troops of the King of Naples are depicted here through the story of a young shepherd who leaves his new bride to join the rebels. He carries a message to Garibaldi in Genoa asking for support. Most noted for its visual style, Blasetti uses natural landscapes, natural light and non-professional actors to achieve what is widely regarded as an important precursor to Italian neo-realism. “An elegant and poetic work.” - Holt Foreign Film Guide Alessandro Blasetti (1900-1987) was a leading figure in mid-century Italian cinema, setting in place the underpinnings for neo-realism and a fondness for location shooting, as well as for choosing unknown actors.