Cineville Preview Days: Below the Clouds

An breathtaking black-and-white portrait of Naples and its surroundings. Documentarian Gianfranco Rosi traverses the areas between Vesuvius and the coast, both above and below ground. This is a heartfelt homage to the residents of a region where the earth is never at peace. In his latest film, Below the Clouds, Rosi explores the underground and above-ground worlds of the area between Vesuvius and the Bay of Naples. Despite the hustle and joy of their city, Neapolitans live with the constant awareness that Vesuvius could erupt; the last time was around eighty years ago. With stunning black-and-white cinematography—Rosi himself served as director of photography—the director weaves together various stories tinged with looming disaster, portraying a world of three million Italians that could be upended at any moment by natural forces. Yet, Below the Clouds is also a warm homage to the inhabitants and visitors of eternal Naples.