The Match Manufacturing facility has welcomed the eagerly awaited documentary “Below the Clouds,” directed by Gianfranco Rosi. Rosi is renowned for his previous works, including “Fire at Sea,” which won the Golden bear at the Berlin Film Festival in 2016, adn “Sacro GRA,” which took home the Golden Lion from Venice in 2013.
“Below the Clouds” (see first-look image above) marks Rosi’s return to his hometown of Naples and its surrounding areas. This region has a rich history of nearly three millennia, where its residents have coexisted—often uneasily—with Mount Vesuvius. The film explores how contemporary issues are intertwined with this ancient backdrop, as described in promotional materials.
The documentary is produced by Rosi’s company 21Uno Film in partnership with Donatella Palermo’s Stemal Entertainment. After two years of filming,it is indeed currently in post-production and is expected to make its debut on the festival circuit soon.
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The synopsis highlights that “the land surrounding Vesuvius serves as a vast palimpsest.” It notes that beneath Naples’ surface—underground and even underwater—the remnants of history are inscribed into tunnels,walls,and fissures. These include traces left by women, men, and children—statues and buried cities alike.
The narrative emphasizes that only thin layers separate modern life from ancient existence; echoes of history influence various groups: archaeologists, students, tomb raiders; firefighters; schoolchildren; tourists; sailors; both devout individuals and those indifferent to faith.
Rosi’s previous work includes “Notturno,” which was featured in competition at the Venice Film Festival in 2021. This film received nominations for Best Documentary at both camerimage and David di Donatello Awards.
Filmed over three years along war-torn borders between Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria, and Lebanon using his signature observational style infused with empathy, “Notturno” captures lives affected by ongoing conflict—including recent violence perpetrated by ISIS.
In recognition of his contributions to documentary filmmaking excellence, Rosi was awarded a prestigious honor by Camerimage in 2024.
The Match Manufacturing facility plans to initiate sales for “Below the Clouds” during cannes Film Festival. Their lineup also features Oliver Laxe’s “Sirat” and Kelly Reichardt’s ”The Mastermind,” both competing for awards alongside Akinola Davies Jr.’s “My father’s Shadow,” showcased under Un Certain Regard.