Faberfilm

IL FUOCO DI NAPOLI
(Fire of Naples)
A film by Alessandro Rossetto
Italy/France, 1997
35mm
colour, 58’

From the dawn of civilization, the spirit of man has always been fascinated by fire. And it is through the art of pyrotechnics and fireworks that the ancient relation between man and fire is celebrated. Fireworks have a cathartic function. They distance the spectre of war through the ritualized use of its most impressive components: deafening noise, danger, the distant lights in the night. It also seems that pyrotechnics are closely related to exorcisms from the danger of volcano eruptions: fireworks set one free from the evil spirits, which popular beliefs evoke in the volcanic areas. We find ourselves in Naples, in the shadows of Mount Vesuvius and in a land of violent contrasts going from unchangeable traditions to fierce modernization. “Il Fuoco di Napoli” outlines the story of a man named Giuseppe Scudo and his passion for fireworks. His art and his life blend as one. This Neapolitan firework-maker challenges danger with clear-headedness and intelligence. His work is a delicate equation of ancient knowledge, imagination and courage.

Production: Libra Film, Catya Casasola & Alessandro Rossetto in collaboration with RaiTre and CNC (France)