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Al Bano and Romina Power, often referred to as “Al Bano and Romina”, are indeed one of Italy’s most beloved and famous singing couples. They gained international recognition for their romantic ballads and captivating performances.

Al Bano Carrisi, born in 1943 in Cellino San Marco, Apulia, and Romina Power, born in 1951 in Los Angeles, California, met in 1967 and began their musical collaboration soon after. They married in 1970 and became a successful singing duo, releasing numerous hit songs in Italian and other languages. The meeting between the them took place in 1967, when a 24-year-old Albano and a sixteen-year-old Romina, shoot together a movie inspired by the famous single of the Italian singer “Nel Sole”. Its love at first sight. They married in 1970 and in the same year they became parents.

Their popularity skyrocketed during the 1970s and 1980s, and they achieved great success with songs like “Felicità”, “Ci sarà”, “Sempre sempre,” and “Sharazan.” Their music combined elements of various genres: pop, rock, and traditional Italian melodies, often featuring heartfelt lyrics about love and relationships.

Al Bano’s powerful tenor voice and Romina Power’s enchanting vocals created a unique blend that captivated audiences. They toured extensively and performed in many countries, amassing a massive fan base across Europe and beyond.

Along with the musical performances they continued to act together in some films, such as “Champagne in Paradiso”, set in Rome with beautiful shots and locations of the eternal city.

Their personal relationship and on-stage chemistry added an extra layer of appeal to their performances. Despite their divorce in 1999, they continued to collaborate on music and maintained a strong bond as friends and artistic partners.

Al Bano and Romina’s songs and movies touched the hearts of millions and became an integral part of Italian culture. Their music has stood the test of time and continues to be cherished by fans worldwide.

Al Bano has also become one of the most famous symbols of the region Puglia where he carries on the tradition of his family with the cultivation of lands, producing oil and wine.

Although they have pursued solo careers and occasionally performed together in recent years, their legacy as a duo remains iconic in the history of Italian music.

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From ‘La Rabbia’ to ‘Vita violenta’

Pier Paolo Pasolini, one of the greatest Italian directors and intellectuals of the 20th century, left an indelible mark on the world of cinema. All due to his unique connection with Rome, the eternal city, particularly significant in his artistic career. In this article, we will explore two of his most emblematic films, ‘La Rabbia’ (1963) and ‘Vita violenta’ (1962). Focusing on the evocative Roman locations that played a fundamental role in the narrative and visual context of the works.

‘La Rabbia’ is a documentary film by Pasolini that deals with political and social issues of the time, with a focus on Italian contradictions. Set mainly in the suburbs of Rome, the film uses a combination of archive images, everyday life sequences and interviews. Fundamental tool to explore the anger and frustration that permeated Italian society at the time.

The locations chosen by Pasolini for ‘La Rabbia’ are emblematic of his desire to represent the social reality of Rome. Suburban neighbourhoods, such as the Ostia district and EUR (Rome Universal Exhibition), serve as the backdrop for the stories of ordinary people. Pasolini intentionally avoided the iconic and touristy areas, such as the Colosseum or Piazza Navona, to focus on a more authentic vision of the city.

“Vita violenta’ tells the story of a young man seekinga way out from the misery of his existence. The film, overall, focuses on the Trastevere district, an area that Pasolini loved and that represented popular Roman life. The narrow, winding streets of Trastevere become the theatre for the adventures of the protagonist, played by Franco Citti. Pasolini explores the alleys, squares and hidden corners of this neighbourhood, capturing the unique energy and character of Trastevere.

Significant is the choice of this location, as the neighbourhood represents a meeting place for rebels and bohemian artists. Thus offering an authentic atmosphere to tell the story of an alienated young man looking for a better life.

To conclude, Pier Paolo Pasolini made masterful use of Roman locations to create an immersive and authentic cinematic experience. By choosing suburbs and working-class neighbourhoods as the backdrop for his stories, Pasolini was able to portray the social reality and contradictions of Italian society.

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The city of Milan has always been a reference point for Italian and international cinema. Thanks to its futuristic architecture, lively streets and nightlife, the city has become a place of inspiration for many film directors and producers.

One of the most famous films set in Milan is certainly ‘Ricomincio da tre’ by Massimo Troisi. Telling the story of Gaetano, a young Neapolitan who moves to Milan in search of work. The film was mainly shot in the Porta Ticinese area, and has become a classic of Italian cinema.

Another film set in Milan is ‘La notte’ by Michelangelo Antonioni, a story about a literary critic spending the night in the city for inspiration. The film was shot in several locations in the city, including the Torre Velasca, the Monumental Cemetery and the Central Station.

Milan has also been chosen as a location for many international films, such as Steven Soderbergh’s ‘Ocean’s Twelve’. Where Brad Pitt and George Clooney filmed some scenes in the city centre. Milan was also chosen as the backdrop for the film ‘Nine’ by Rob Marshall, starring Nicole Kidman and Penélope Cruz.

But it is not only the architectural beauty of Milan that has been immortalised on the silver screen. The city has also been chosen for many action scenes, such as in the film ‘The Italian Job’ by F. Gary Gray, in which a gang of thieves carries out a spectacular robbery in a Mini Cooper through the streets of Milan.

In short, the city of Milan has a long tradition of connection with the cinema, thanks to its beauty, vibrancy and culture. Cinema has been able to immortalise the city over time, making Milan a place of inspiration for film directors from all over the world.

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Rome’s Testaccio district has long been a landmark for the Italian film scene. Between the 40s and 50s, many directors and actors settled in this popular neighbourhood. Mainly attracted by its lively atmosphere and its proximity to the EUR film studios.

Testaccio inspired many directors to shoot films in this neighbourhood, including Federico Fellini with ‘Roma’ (1972) and Nanni Moretti with ‘La messa è finita’ (1985). The district served as a backdrop for many other Italian films. Nanni Moretti’s ‘Bianca’ (1983), Pier Paolo Pasolini’s ‘Mamma Roma’ (1962) and Gabriele Muccino’s ‘L’ultimo bacio’ (2001).

Today, Testaccio continues to be a vibrant and lively neighbourhood with many trendy cafés, restaurants and bars. The neighbourhood is also home to the well-known Cinema Museum of Rome, which houses a vast collection of objects and memorabilia.

The Testaccio district has become an icon of Italian cinema and continues to attract filmmakers, actors and film enthusiasts from all over the world. Known for its lively nightlife, Testaccio is also famous for its gastronomy, with restaurants and trattorias. Serving traditional Roman cuisine and local specialities such as artichokes alla giudia and pasta alla gricia. The neighbourhood has a long tradition of cultural and artistic activities.

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Tuscany has often been the harmonious and beautiful location of important films known all over the world.
A Region appreciated by directors and screenwriters, not only within the Italian borders, but also in Hollywood. Thus becoming the setting for world-famous films that have received Oscar awards and important awards.

The romantic streets, Renaissance palaces, and churches of the Val d’Orcia, were the set of the movie “The English Patient” (9 Oscar awards in 1996). At the close of World War II, a young nurse tends to a badly-burned plane crash victim. His past is shown in flashbacks, revealing an involvement in a fateful love affair.

The film that perhaps more than any other has enhanced the Val d’Orcia is “Gladiator” by Ridley Scott. There are two emblematic scenes from the film shot here. Firstly, the Gladiator’s house, set of the dramatic episode of the murder of his family. Secondly the famous finale in which the gladiator caresses the ripe wheat in the Elysian Fields.

Franco Zeffirelli directed some of his cult films in the Val d’Orcia. Particularly in Pienza, where the great master Franco Zeffirelli directed “Romeo and Juliet”. Some of the main scenes were shot in the courtyard of Palazzo Piccolomini and some are divided between Piazza Pio II and Corso Rossellino. The film “Brother sun sister moon” was shot in Val d’Orcia too. This movie is about the life of St. Francis of Assisi from his conversion experience to his audience with the pope.

The Taviani brothers also chose the Val d’Orcia for their film “Wondrous Boccaccio”, where 10 young friends hide out from the plague during the 1300s.

Pienza and Montepulciano have also been the location of recent films such as “New Moon – The Twilight saga” and “The Medici” series. While set in the region’s capital of Florence, much of the filming takes place on location around Tuscany, like Volterra, Montepulciano Pistoia, Pienza.

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