Titanus, Rai Cinema and Cineteca di Bologna

Cinema Italiano ǀ Le Amiche

In director Michelangelo Antonioni’s Le Amiche (Italian for girlfriends), a young woman returns to her hometown of Turin after World War II to set up a fashion salon. The film’s costumes were designed by Zoe, Micol, and Giovanna Fontana, sisters who opened their Rome atelier in 1943 and whose signature costuming in mid-century films gave Rome the nickname “Hollywood on the Tiber.” Here, the costumes create an impeccably elegant world, from work to the beach. Meanwhile, Antonioni’s cinematic style builds an atmosphere of longing and sympathy as the women balance new roles of life and work. A Film Desk release, restored by Cineteca di Bologna at L’Immagine Ritrovata with funding provided by Gucci and The Film Foundation. Starring Eleonora Rossi Drago, Gabriele Ferzetti, and Franco Fabrizi. Italian with English subtitles. 1955, B&W, 35mm, 104 minutes.

In this Italian film series, Visconti’s Bellissima (Nov. 16) gives us a glimpse into the beginning of the post-war Italian film industry, and Barefoot Contessa (Nov. 23) and La Amiche (Nov. 30) showcase costumes designed by the Fontana sisters. Valentino: The Last Emperor (Nov. 28) is a behind-the-scenes view of Italian fashion today. Each film will be introduced by Nicole LaBouff, assistant curator of textiles in the MIA’s Department of Decorative Arts, Textiles & Sculpture.

For tickets, call (612) 870-6323 or reserve online.

Presented in partnership with The Italian Cultural Center.

Titanus, Rai Cinema and Cineteca di Bologna