Rome, Open City

Rome, città aperta

Rossellini’s powerful drama about resistance, resignation and betrayal in Rome under the German Occupation.

  • Director

    Roberto Rossellini

  • With

    Anna Magnani, Aldo Fabrizi, Marcello Pagliero, Maria Michi

  • Italy 1945. 103min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    12A

  • English subtitles

Rossellini – ‘father of the French New Wave’ – was, according to Truffaut, an influence on his work; for three years he worked as an assistant to the Italian, who was the first person to read the script for The 400 Blows. This powerful drama, shot at the end of WWII, depicts the German Occupation, taking in the experiences of Resistance fighters, traitors, black marketeers and ordinary citizens.

Also available on BFI Player

The screening on Wednesday 29 January will be introduced by lecturer and writer Dr Julia Wagner.