Roberto Rossellini – Living Without A Script

dir. Ilaria de Laurentiis, Raffaele Brunetti, Andrea Paolo Massara / 2025 / Italy, Latvia / 86 min
In 1956, Roberto Rossellini, in the midst of a personal and creative crisis, travels to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.

In 1956, Roberto Rossellini – the most important figure in Italian cinema and the father of neorealism – experiences a profound personal and artistic crisis. His recent films with Ingrid Bergman had failed, their marriage was falling apart, and the press gave him no peace. When Bergman returns to Hollywood, Rossellini accepts a unique invitation from the Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, to document the progress of this newly developing country. With growing doubts and a suitcase full of spaghetti, he sets off for Bombay, where he discovers a new creative energy and emotional renewal. India – balancing tradition and modernity – becomes a source of inspiration that reshapes his vision of cinema, art, and life. The film explores this crucial phase in Rossellini’s career and personal life, using rich archival materials and the director’s own narration to reveal his inner contradictions, passions, and quest for creative freedom. It is a story about courage in the face of crisis and how rediscovering oneself can permanently transform both artistic and personal life.

duration:
86 min
country / year of production:
Italy, Latvia / 2025
director:
Ilaria de Laurentiis, Raffaele Brunetti, Andrea Paolo Massara
cinematography:
Ilaria de Laurentiis
production:
Raffaele Brunetti / B&B Film
selected festivals and awards:
2025 – Rome IFF
sections:
Muse and Inspiration
competitions:
Chopin’s Nose Award
tags:
biopic art Italy A movie about movies

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