“The Cinema” is the After Party theme

It’s time to party!

After three days of talks, workshops, networking, and hallway conversations, most everyone who attends WordCamp Europe is ready to party! This year is no exception, with a great After Party planned for Saturday evening, 15 June.

And what’s a great After Party without a great theme?

The theme for this year’s WCEU After Party is “The Cinema”. It’s a tribute to the Italian cinema industry that has created some of the best-known films ever made.

Attendees at the After Party are encouraged to wear a costume or an accessory that represents their favorite Italian film, actor or actress, or scene. Whether you’re celebrating la dolce vita or channeling your inner Marcello Mastroianni, we know you’ll bring a dash of flair to the festivities. (Keep reading for some costume suggestions!)

Here’s some background on Italian cinema to help you prepare.

Torino and cinema

Torino is famous for cinema due to its pioneering role in the early 20th century with influential film studios like Itala Film, its production of the groundbreaking film “Cabiria”, and its ongoing contributions to the film industry through festivals, educational institutions, and cinematic innovation.

Historically, Torino studios were known for pioneering new cinematic techniques. Innovations in special effects, set design, and narrative style developed in Torino have impacted the film industry in many ways over the years.

The National Museum of Cinema housed in the iconic Mole Antonelliana, is one of the most important film museums globally. It offers extensive exhibits on cinema history, film technology, and notable cinematic works, drawing tourists and researchers alike.

Italian cinema history

Italian cinema began its journey in the early 20th century, rapidly becoming one of the world’s leading film industries during the silent era. This period saw the production of grandiose epic films like “Cabiria” (1914), directed by Giovanni Pastrone. “Cabiria” was renowned for its innovative techniques, such as tracking shots and elaborate set designs, setting new standards in filmmaking.

The early Italian film industry was marked by its ambition and creativity, with numerous studios in Torino, Rome, and Milan producing a diverse range of silent films that gained international acclaim.

After World War II, Italian cinema experienced a significant transformation with the emergence of Neorealism. This movement was characterised by its focus on the lives of ordinary people and its use of non-professional actors and real locations. Films like Roberto Rossellini’s “Roma città aperta” (“Rome, Open City”, 1945) and Vittorio De Sica’s “Ladri di biciclette” (“Bicycle Thieves”, 1948) depicted the struggles of post-war Italy with raw authenticity and emotional depth.

Neorealism had a profound impact on global cinema, influencing filmmakers worldwide and bringing Italian cinema to the forefront of the international stage.

The 1960s marked a golden age for Italian cinema, with a wave of auteur directors who brought personal and innovative visions to the screen. Federico Fellini’s “La dolce vita” (“The sweet life”, 1960) and “8½” (1963) explored complex themes of identity, modernity, and existentialism, blending surrealism with a unique narrative style. Michelangelo Antonioni’s “L’avventura” (“The Adventure”, 1960) and “Blow-Up” (1966) challenged conventional storytelling with their focus on mood and atmosphere over plot.

This period also saw the rise of the Commedia all’italiana genre, with directors like Mario Monicelli and Dino Risi satirising contemporary Italian society through humor and irony.

In recent decades, Italian cinema has continued to evolve, maintaining its reputation for artistic excellence and innovation. Directors like Paolo Sorrentino, with films such as “La grande bellezza” (“The great beauty”, 2013) , and Matteo Garrone, known for “Gomorra” (2008), have garnered international acclaim and prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards and Cannes Film Festival prizes. These contemporary filmmakers continue to explore diverse themes, from the beauty and decadence of Italian society to the gritty realities of organized crime.

Italian cinema remains a vital and dynamic force in the global film landscape, celebrated for its rich heritage and ongoing contributions to the art of filmmaking.