Cinema of Italy: The beginning of the film industry

The Origins of Italian Cinema (1896-1902)

The Italian film industry was born during a time of rapid technological innovation and political transformation, as pioneers sought to capture the spirit of Italy’s people, landscapes, and historical events. The earliest Italian films were brief documentaries, typically under a minute, that showcased prominent figures and moments of contemporary life. These early cinematic efforts were driven by passionate individuals like Filoteo Alberini, a former cartographer and military officer. Alberini, often credited as one of Italy’s earliest directors and camera operators, used a hand-cranked camera to create brief yet impactful visual records of Italian life. His works included scenes featuring royals, popes, and everyday people, which helped lay the foundation for a uniquely Italian approach to cinema.

One of Alberini’s earliest documented films, although now lost to history, was made in 1896 and reportedly captured King Umberto I and Queen Margherita of Italy. However, the oldest surviving Italian film from this period, also shot by Alberini, features Pope Leo XIII blessing the audience in the Vatican Gardens. This historic film, lasting just two minutes, marked a significant moment: the first-ever on-camera papal blessing, bridging Italy’s spiritual heritage and the burgeoning power of moving images.

“La Presa di Roma” (1905): Italy’s First Historic Film

Italy’s first significant cinematic release, “La Presa di Roma” (The Capture of Rome), premiered on September 18, 1905, directed by Alberini. This historical re-enactment depicted the momentous 1870 Capture of Rome, a pivotal event in the Italian unification movement, when the newly formed Italian army claimed Rome from papal control and established it as the capital. The film opens with General Carchidio delivering an ultimatum to General Kanzler of the Papal Army, leading to a breach in the city walls at Porta Pia. This dramatic scene held a powerful symbolism, uniting Italy under a shared national identity.

Produced in cooperation with Italy’s Ministry of War, “La Presa di Roma” was intended to instill a sense of national pride and “Italianità” (Italian-ness) in its audience, casting the unification movement as a patriotic triumph while subtly critiquing the Catholic Church’s historical role. As Italy’s first narrative film, “La Presa di Roma” also pioneered the use of film as a storytelling medium, setting a template for future Italian filmmakers to merge historical re-enactment with nationalist themes.

The Arrival of Cinema in Italy (1896)

Cinema arrived in Italy mere months after the Lumière brothers’ public screening in Paris on December 28, 1895. By March 1896, the Lumières’ moving pictures reached Rome, captivating audiences with the novelty of “moving photographs.” The initial screenings spread rapidly: Milan in March, Naples in April, Livorno in June, and by August, the cities of Bergamo, Ravenna, and Bologna all hosted cinematic showings. Italian audiences flocked to these early screenings, marveling at the technology and the realism it brought to scenes of daily life and foreign lands. This newfound fascination led to the establishment of Italy’s first permanent cinema, Cinema Lumière, in Pisa in 1899, which remains operational to this day.

The Emergence of the Italian Film Industry (1903-1909)

Between 1903 and 1909, Italian cinema transitioned from a novelty attraction associated with traveling shows and circus performances into a burgeoning industry. Production companies sprang up across major Italian cities. In Turin, pioneering studios like Società Anonima Ambrosio, Aquila Film, and Itala Film led the charge in cinematic innovation. Rome became home to Cines, while Milan hosted Milano Film, founded by Luca Comerio, who was known for his technical expertise and commitment to film production. Meanwhile, Partenope Film in Naples and various studios in Venice contributed to a thriving national network of production houses, marking Italy’s first real step toward establishing a formal film industry.

With these studios came a shift in film content, transitioning from documentary reels to “subject films”—narrative-driven works that captivated audiences with fictional stories. This genre shift paralleled the rising popularity of silent films, as audiences craved dramatic stories beyond the realm of factual documentaries. The historical drama “La Presa di Roma” remained iconic, yet new genres like drama, romance, and historical epics quickly gained favor. Silent comedies often served as lighthearted fare to close out film programs, mirroring the structure of Italian theater performances.

Technical Innovations: Italy’s First Sound Film (1906)

In addition to narrative innovation, Italian filmmakers were at the forefront of technical advancements in early cinema. On October 19, 1906, Professor Pietro Pierini presented Italy’s first sound film at the Cinema Lumière in Pisa. Produced by the Fabbrica Pisana di Pellicole Parlate, this pioneering attempt to synchronize sound with film marked a critical step in the industry’s evolution. Though the technology was still in its infancy, Pierini’s work demonstrated the potential of sound in storytelling, hinting at the future of the medium.

Italian Cinema’s Growth and Influence

These early developments laid the groundwork for Italy’s cinematic rise on the world stage. Although it would take several decades and the catalyst of World War II for Italian cinema to reach its peak global influence, these initial years were crucial. Italy’s early filmmakers harnessed cinema not only as a means of documenting reality but as a powerful tool to shape national identity and artistic expression. By the time Italy entered the 20th century, cinema had already begun to transform from a novel curiosity into a respected and beloved art form.

The Pioneering Spirit of Italian Filmmakers

The visionaries behind Italy’s early cinema displayed extraordinary creativity, often experimenting with rudimentary equipment and limited budgets. Yet, they succeeded in creating films that resonated deeply with Italian audiences. The directors and producers who took risks in these early days set Italy on a trajectory toward cinematic greatness. Their dedication to using film as a means of both storytelling and cultural preservation would inspire generations of Italian filmmakers, from Neorealism to the Golden Age of Italian cinema in the 1950s and 60s, shaping a legacy that endures today.

FAQs

1. Who was Italy’s first film director?
   • Filoteo Alberini is widely regarded as Italy’s first film director. A former cartographer and military officer, he directed some of Italy’s earliest films, including the first Italian historical film, “La Presa di Roma” (1905).
2. What was the first Italian film?
   • The first Italian film known by title was an untitled work from 1896 by Filoteo Alberini, now lost. The earliest surviving film is a 2-minute documentary of Pope Leo XIII praying and blessing the camera.
3. When did cinema arrive in Italy?
   • Cinema arrived in Italy in 1896, shortly after the Lumière brothers’ first screening in Paris. It quickly spread to Rome, Milan, Naples, and other Italian cities.
4. What was “La Presa di Roma”?
   • “La Presa di Roma” is Italy’s first significant narrative film, depicting the 1870 capture of Rome. Directed by Alberini, the film reinforced Italian unification themes and marked the beginning of Italy’s historical films.
5. Where is Italy’s oldest operating movie theater?
   • Italy’s oldest operating movie theater is Cinema Lumière in Pisa, established in 1899 and still open today.
6. When was Italy’s first sound film shown?
   • Italy’s first sound film was shown in 1906 at Cinema Lumière in Pisa by Professor Pietro Pierini and produced by the Fabbrica Pisana di Pellicole Parlate.