The film is one of the defining works of the Italian Resistance and Italian Neorealism.
The event was part of a new series of film nights organised by FILEF, which recently moved its cultural activities from the Italian Forum in Leichhardt to the Marrickville community centre following changes to the opening hours of the local library.
Claudio Marcello opened the evening with an introduction exploring the film’s historical and cinematic significance. Rome, Open City depicts the occupied city of Rome during 1943-44, offering an intense and unflinching narrative that helped launch the careers of Rossellini, actress Anna Magnani and the young screenwriter Federico Fellini.
Set in the aftermath of Rome’s declaration as an “open city”, the film is widely regarded as a manifesto of politically engaged cinema and a powerful tribute to the anti-Fascist resistance.
About fifty people attended the screening, underscoring the community’s strong interest in cultural initiatives focused on history.
The film series will continue in the coming months, aiming to inspire reflection on Italian history, the Resistance and identity through the universal language of cinema.
