Below The Clouds
A masterful documentary in breathtaking black and white by Gianfranco Rosi (Fire At Sea) about Naples and the ancient city of Pompeii. A passionate portrait of the city, its inhabitants and the fragile beauty of everything that is in danger of disappearing.
For three years, Gianfranco Rosi filmed in and around Naples, where daily life unfolds under the ever-present threat of Vesuvius. The result is Below The Clouds, an enchanting documentary about the city, its surroundings and the mosaic of people and their stories.
Rosi follows archaeologists, firefighters, museum curators, dockworkers and city dwellers, revealing a Naples that extends far beyond the familiar clichés. Underground tunnels, hidden treasures, traces of volcanic activity and ancient rituals blend seamlessly into contemporary city life. This creates a poignant portrait of a place where past and present are in constant dialogue.
Without a voice-over or commentary, Rosi lets the city speak for itself, supported by a carefully crafted experimental soundscape that captures the seismic energy of the land and sea. The film was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival.
Written by RS