Permanent History of Women Filmmakers: Lina Wertmüller

A rebellious and maverick filmmaker who trained alongside Federico Fellini on 8 ½, Lina Wertmüller shook up the macho Italy of the 1960s. Between satires of fascism, the war of the sexes or class struggles, her provocative style was an inherent mix of politics, feminism and comedy. Directing her go-to actor, Giancarlo Giannini, she received a host of international awards in the 1970s and much critical acclaim. In 1977, she made history with Seven Beauties, becoming the first woman nominated for an Academy Award.

The Seduction of Mimi by Lina Wertmüller (Mimi metallurgico ferito nell’onore,1972, 2h)
Mimi, a Sicilian proletariat worker, is exiled to Turin by the Mafia. He falls in love with Fiorella and they have a son. But he is sent back to Sicily – and to his wife... A ferocious satirical and feminist comedy.
Lumière Bellecour Tue.15 9:15pm | Cinéma Opéra Thu.17 3pm

Love & Anarchy by Lina Wertmüller (Film d’amore e d’anarchia, ovvero’stamattina alle 10 in via dei Fiori nella nota casa di tolleranza…’, 1973, 2h09)
Italy, 1930s. Hidden in a brothel, Tonino is preparing an anarchist attack against Mussolini, torn between his ideals and his love for Tripolina... An acerbic and political comedy, with the critically acclaimed Giancarlo Giannini.
Lumière Fourmi Mon.14 4:15pm | Lumière Terreaux Wed.16 4:30pm

Swept Away by Lina Wertmüller (Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto, 1974, 1h55)
Gennarino (Giancarlo Giannini), a communist, serves on the yacht of Raffaella, a tyrannical bourgeoise. They get shipwrecked on a desert island... A battle of social classes, gender and the North vs. South Italian divide.
Cinéma Opéra Wed.16 4:45pm | Lumière Bellecour Sat.19 2pm

Seven Beauties by Lina Wertmüller (Pasqualino Settebellezze, 1975, 1h56)
Pasqualino (Giancarlo Giannini), a mobster and Neapolitan domestic tyrant, encounters fascism and the prison camps, ready to do anything to survive... The black comedy, a masterpiece by Lina Wertmüller, was nominated for four Oscar awards.
Lumière Bellecour Sun.13 6:30pm | Institut Lumière Tue.15 9:15pm | Lumière Fourmi Fri.18 2:45pm