The Film Industry History of Italy

The history of the Italian cinematography began right after the Luminere brothers had discovered the medium. At that time Pope Leo XIII was shown on the screen for a few seconds while blessing the camera. The Italian film industry appeared between 1903 and 1908, led by three main organizations - the Roman Cines, the Ambrosio of Turin and Italy Film. In a short period of time, these first organizations achieved a worthy production quality. Soon after that they began selling films at home and abroad.

One of the first Italian film genres was the historical film. The first film of this genre was shot in 1905 by Filoteo Alberini and had the title “The Capture of Rome”. Then there followed other historical films that depicted such famous heroes as Messalina, Spartacus, Nero, Julius Caesar and Cleopatra. Historical film “The Last Days of Pompeii” directed by Arturo Ambrosio in 1908 got its glory very quickly so that it was screened again in 1913 by Mario Caserini. Besides, the film “Mark Antony and Cleopatra” was screened in 1913 by Enrico Guazzoni.

The first film stars who shot in passionate film became actresses Lyda Borelli and Francesca Bertini. Other film genres screened social topics and were based on the literature. In 1916 there was shot the film “Cenere” (Ash) that was based on the book by Grazia Deledda. After the World War I the sound was introduced though it did not help Italian cinematography. Because of the economic problems the sales of Italian films fell. Some time later the Film industry recovered and the new innovative films directed by Alessandro Blasetti, Mario Camerini and Augusto Genina were shot.

Alessandro Blasetti directed “Sole” in 1928 opening his career, following by directing the famous Italian comedian Ettore Petrolini in his comic Nero. The next famous film genre was called “White phones” as they were present in scenes. The films of this genre depicted people from the high society. A huge dose of formal morality was obligatory in these films to show the culture of the epoch. Most part of stars started their careers from such films. They are: Vittorio De Sica, Alida Valli and others. During the Second World War some important structures for Italian cinema were created with Mussolini's approval. Everything necessary for filmmaking was provided: technical services, theatres, and a cinema school for students. At that time Vittorio Mussolini created a national production company and organized the work of the most gifted authors, directors and actors.