Film Lens
The documentary examines 'The Garden of the Finzi Continis', a fictional garden from Giorgio Bassani's 1962 novel set in Ferrara during the rise of fascism in Italy. It tells the story of an unfulfilled love between two young Jews against a backdrop of historical turmoil. The film intertwines the narrative of the book with the life of its author and the experiences of its characters, bringing to life themes of love, friendship, and betrayal.
Fifty years after the novel's adaptation into an Oscar-winning film by Vittorio De Sica in 1972, the documentary invites viewers to walk through an imaginary garden. It connects the fictional elements of the story with real historical events, illustrating how the garden has become a tangible symbol that attracts visitors from around the world to Ferrara.
Why Watch
- •See the impact of fascism on personal lives in Ferrara.
- •Meet the characters from Bassani's novel brought to life.
- •Find out how fiction and reality intersect in this story.
Did You Know
•Giorgio Bassani's novel was published in 1962.
•Vittorio De Sica's film won the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1972.
•The garden became a tourist attraction, drawing visitors globally.
•The story is set in Ferrara during the late 1930s.
Perfect For
Italian literature fansOscar-winning filmsHistorical narratives