Rossellini's 'Excellence' Award Connects Family Legacy

Isabella Rossellini was recently honored with the Excellence Award at the Locarno Film Festival. She expressed deep emotion, noting that her father received a similar prize in 1948, and her brother, Renzo Rossellini, was also recognized. This familial connection resonated strongly with her during the ceremony.

Rossellini, who holds a master's degree in Animal Behavior and Conservation, also shared insights into her web series "Green Porno" and "Seduce Me." These projects delve into animal mating rituals, using a low-tech approach inspired by silent film pioneer Georges Méliès. Her farm animals serve as her muses, sparking her creativity.

She highlighted her fascination with biology and the diversity of life, stating that this, not politics, fuels her artistic inspiration. While she acknowledged current political situations, her focus remains on the natural world. Rossellini reflected on her career path, which included early experiences in costume design and modeling, and eventually acting, often driven by personal connections and a desire to spend time with her mother, Ingrid Bergman.

Her journey into directing began in her 50s, a path she wished she'd started earlier. Rossellini also mentioned collaborating with notable directors like James Gray and Alice Rohrwacher, and her Academy Award nomination for "Conclave." She emphasized that her creative choices are guided by what she wants to express, not by an adherence to any specific directorial 'style.'