Alice Rohrwacher, the acclaimed Italian filmmaker renowned for her innovative works like “The Wonders,” “Happy as Lazzaro,” and “La Chimera,” is pushing the boundaries of cinematic storytelling once again. As the recipient of a European Achievement in World Cinema award at the European Film Awards, Rohrwacher is delving into a new venture: crafting a silent film. This intriguing project promises to explore the power of imagery in an era saturated with visuals.
Honoring a Cinematic Visionary
Rohrwacher, at 44, is being recognized for her distinctive contributions to cinema, receiving the European Achievement in World Cinema prize in Berlin. Reflecting on the honor, she expressed surprise at the recognition, given her relatively small body of work in feature films. Yet, her dedication to each project, from short films to documentaries, reflects a passionate journey. She noted, “It’s been a long journey of discovery,” emphasizing the importance of exploring why images remain crucial in understanding our complex world.
Embracing Silence in Storytelling
Rohrwacher’s upcoming silent movie is shrouded in mystery, but she divulged its primary goal: to deeply immerse in images and discover their strength through simplicity. “It’s a great opportunity to really delve deeply into images,” she mentioned, highlighting a drive to experiment with removing extraneous elements from storytelling. Her aim is to rediscover the unique expression offered by silent cinema, viewing it as more than just a precursor to sound films.
Crafting Unique Narratives
Her films are often characterized by a profound exploration of adolescence and the natural world. In receiving her EFA award, Rohrwacher was praised for her perceptive storytelling that captures the essence of youth and rural life. She explained her interest in portraying “an inner adolescence,” a concept reflecting characters who are yet to find their place in the world. The countryside remains a powerful setting for her, representing a space for transformation and imagination.
Collaborations and Cinematic Techniques
Rohrwacher’s collaborations, particularly with renowned cinematographer Hélène Louvart, are critical to her creative process. Together, they pursue a spirit of adventure and explore diverse cinematic techniques. Their work on celluloid is intentional, not for visual effects but for the discipline it demands, nurturing creativity within limitations. “Film requires us to be much more careful and thoughtful,” she stated, emphasizing its importance as both a medium and a method.
Her partnership with producer Carlo Cresto-Dina and Tempesta has been pivotal since her first feature, showcasing a courageous commitment to her vision. “He believed in what I could do before anyone else,” Rohrwacher remarked, highlighting their long-standing collaborative success.
Looking ahead, Alice Rohrwacher is excited to embark on the challenge of silent cinema, eager to discover new depths of visual storytelling. Her journey continues to evolve, promising fresh insights and daring explorations.
