To mark the nomination of Rome to Expo 2030 the Italian Cultural Institute in London has curated the series “Roman nights”, showcasing some of the best films shot in Rome. While most of the choices will belong to the Neorealismo – a movement in Italian cinema characterised by stories set among the poor and the working class, filmed on location and often with non-professional actors – Rome will also feature in all its glory in our choice of more recent cult and Oscars winning films.
On Thursday 1 December, 6.00pm join us for the second screening of the series:
LADRI DI BICICLETTE (BICYCLE THIEVES)
Director: Vittorio De Sica
Cast: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola
Drama / 93mins / b&w / 1948
In Italian with English subtitles
Introduction and post screening discussion with Nick Walker
Bicycle Thieves is a neorealist drama set in post-World War II Rome, following the story of a working-class father looking for his stolen bicycle. Without it, he risks losing his job that and the only means of supporting his young family.
Adapted for the screen by Cesare Zavattini from the 1946 novel by Luigi Bartolini and starring Lamberto Maggiorani as the desperate father and Enzo Staiola as his young son, Bicycle Thieves received an Academy Honorary Award (most outstanding foreign language film) in 1950, and in 1952 was deemed the greatest film of all time by Sight & Sound magazine’s poll of filmmakers and critics.
Golden Globe, Best Foreign Film, Italy; 1950.
Nick Walker has worked in the film industry, wrote film articles for The Guardian, is a film lecturer, programmer and host of film salon events in London and Rochester. Nick has a master’s degree in Film Culture.
The Italian Cultural Institute will not admit anyone showing covid-19 symptoms such as a continuous cough, a cold and a temperature. You are strongly invited to wear face covering during events, maintain social distancing and use wall-unit sanitizers, as a matter of courtesy to the clinically vulnerable. We keep windows open whenever possible to ensure ventilation and thoroughly clean our rooms before and after each event. Thank you for your co-operation. We reserve the right not to admit any late comers.