Home / Arts and Entertainment / Filmmakers Revive Italy's First Female Museum Director
Filmmakers Revive Italy's First Female Museum Director
3 Sep
Summary
- Documentary brings Italy's first female museum director to life.
- Fernanda Wittgens led Milan's Brera museum through WWII.
- Film explores life stories beyond traditional biopic conventions.
The documentary "Anatomy of a Portrait" is set to premiere at Venice Days, shedding light on Fernanda Wittgens, Italy's pioneering female museum director. Wittgens navigated the tumultuous period of World War II and its aftermath while helming Milan's Pinacoteca di Brera. She was also a staunch anti-fascist activist who faced imprisonment under the Mussolini regime.
Facing scarce historical materials, directors Francesco Clerici and Mattia Colombo opted for an innovative approach. They gathered actress Sara Drago and art historian Giovanna Ginex to reconstruct Wittgens's voice and persona, drawing from her letters and Ginex's extensive four-decade research.
The filmmakers described the documentary as a "requiem for the biopic," emphasizing its exploration of the meaning of life today rather than a literal truthful retelling. Archival footage and historical reconstruction in the film evolve to confront contemporary realities and urgent issues.
"Anatomy of a Portrait" highlights Brera's significance as a museum designed for its community, fostering reflection and dialogue. Wittgens's legacy at Brera continues to inspire, embodying her vision for an accessible and engaged cultural institution. Her story resonates particularly today amidst resurgent far-right movements and a perceived disregard for art's role in memory and value.
