L'Universale (2016)
Release Year: 2016
Nation: Italy
Alternative Title: N/A
Director: Federico Micali
Writer: Federico Micali, Heidrun Schleef, Cosimo Calamini
Production & Genre
Story
This is the story of 3 friends, destined to lose and find each other over and over again. More importantly, this is the (true) story of a film theatre in Florence, The Universale, which was a cultural landmark in the city between the '60s and the '80s. It was a theater of its own kind, bringing together intellectuals, students, as well as the people from San Frediano, a well-known working-class Quartiere. Such unusual mixture among the cinema-goers also produced a sort of creative chaos, which is explored through the eyes of Tommaso, the projectionist's son.
Summary
In Florence's vibrant '60s to '80s cultural scene, a unique film theatre reigned supreme - The Universale. This cinematic hub was renowned for its eclectic patronage: intellectuals, students, and residents of the gritty San Frediano neighborhood mingled under its Art Deco marquee. The Universale's projector room bore witness to this creative tumult through Tommaso, son of the theatre's projectionist, as he navigated three lifelong friends destined to lose and find each other repeatedly amidst the city's ever-changing landscape.
