In Light Human Rights Documentary Film Festival
Brimming with traces of history, memories of the subterranean world, and the concerns of the present, a lesser-known Naples emerges in this sumptuously filmed document of the Italian city.
In Below the Clouds, Gianfranco Rosi’s monumental black-and-white documentary captures Naples’ hidden, unglamorous side—focusing on everyday lives, municipal routines, and subterranean historical layers shadowed by Vesuvius and the simmering Phlegraean Fields. Amid quakes and fumaroles, archaeologists excavate ancient ruins, firefighters calm fears, law enforcement hunts tomb robbers, and locals—from worshippers at Madonna dell’Arco to Japanese diggers at Villa Augustea—navigate daily life. Blending past and present, the film evokes a volatile time machine of history, anxiety, and resilience. Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival. [115 min; documentary; Italian with English subtitles]
“A curious piece that encourages the viewer to make connections between the ancient and modern worlds.” — James Mottram, Radio Times
“There is little that’s predictable or touristic in this portrait (no pizza!): it’s a haunting journey into the psyche of this resonant place.” — Helen Hawkins, The Arts Desk
“Guided by Rosi’s meditation and contemplative control, this is among the year’s best documentaries.” — Luke Hicks, The Film Stage
Any film screened at IU Cinema may contain content that viewers find sensitive or upsetting. Visit our Audience Advisories page to learn more.
