The Unknown Italian: Antonio Pietrangeli

First a film critic, then screenwriter for Roberto Rossellini and Luchino Visconti, Pietrangeli would become a great initiator of  Italian comedy. He directed films that particularly dealt with women's issues in a patriarchal society. A forgotten filmmaker to discover.

Empty Eyes (Il sole negli occhi, 1953, 1h38)
Young country girl Celestina becomes a housemaid in Rome and discovers outings with friends, leisure and the handsome Fernando... From this first film, Pietrangeli already explores the theme of female emancipation, a common thread in all his work.
Villa Lumière Sun 9 at 5pm l Comoedia Thu 13 at 2pm | La Fourmi Fri 14 at 8pm

Phantom Lovers (Fantasmi a Roma, 1961, 1h45)
When a real estate company wants to destroy an old palace, the ghosts that inhabit it will do everything to save their home... A delightful farce co written by Ettore Scola, with Marcello Mastroianni in a triple phantom role.
CNP Bellecour Mon 10 at 7:15pm | Pathé Bellecour Sat 15 at 4:30pm

I Knew Her Well (Io la conoscevo bene, 1965, 1h37)
Adriana (Stefania Sandrelli) dreamt of becoming an actress… Manipulated, broken, those who shared her life tell her story... Pietrangeli draws a beautiful and tender portrait of a woman, through a courageous staging.
La Fourmi Tue 11 at 3:45pm l Pathé Bellecour Wed 12 at 7:15pm l Institut Lumière Sun 16 at 2:30pm