Thursday, May 7, 2009

Apulia. A Film Tourism Guide



Some of you may remember that last winter I was very busy working on the translation of a film tourism guide to the Apulia region. The book was just released in April and is available for those of you who love both films and travelling. Film tourism combines the two, offering itineraries that take you to the sites where films have been shot or where famous actors and/or directors have found their inspiration.

Here's an excerpt from the inside front cover:


"They are called 'locations,' but in Apulia they are simply life. Not only the most crystal-clear, spectacular sea you have ever seen, extending for 800 kilometres of coastline. Also the dazzling expanses of wheat seen in I'm Not Scared, the centuries-old olive trees and the ravines that 'wound' the land. The deserted villages of the Subapennine area and the candid towns eternally captured 'nel blu dipinto di blu' by Domenico Modugno. The trullos that captivate the English and now seduce Bollywood. The 'western' Murgia and the beaches of past invaders and present immigrants, the place were Lamerica begins. The indolent holiday resorts and the sensual nights that move to the rhythm of the taranta. The castles of Federico II and the Romanesque cathedrals. The mountain of the Angel and the cult of Padre Pio. The Ilva smokestacks and the outskirts of the cities. Bari, the hometown of the enamoured Meryl Streep of Madison County and of the resurrected Petruzzelli where Liz Taylor captivated the young Toscanini. The Felliniesque bands dear to Nino Rota. Castellaneta represents the legend of Rudolph Valentino. In the heart of Baroque Lecce, the nakedness of history and the strength of the light 'in the south of the south of the saints' of Carmelo Bene. Ten itineraries to discover Apulia, a variable scenery for hundreds of sets, from Pasolini, Totò, the Taviani brothers, Monicelli and Wertmuller, to Placido, Amelio, Salvatores, Rubini and Moretti. Visions and symbols, famous masters and young talents, characters and places in search of a region where films come to life."



If you are interested in the book, take a look at this link and remember "acquista" means "buy" in Italian! ;-)

5 comments:

B SQUARED said...

Congratulations! Looks like a must for every "film-buff"

Clueless in Boston said...

Wonderful sounding book. I know part of a movie was filmed where I work a couple of years aog with Matt Damon and Leonardo DiCaprio and much was made of that fact in the local press and at work. Congratulations on what must have been a tremendous amount of work.

VP said...

It may be an interesting idea to 'visit' Apulia watching or watching again movies. Not the real thing, but quite close. Thank you for the advice and congratulation for the work.

Saretta said...

Thanks so much for your congratulations! It was a big job, but fascinating. Apulia is truly a beautiful and interesting region!

Rosaria Williams said...

What a great resource! With just a small description you sold me. I'm packing and moving to that coast.