Auteurs’ perspectives on a past that still lives. Stars from another era whose light has never stopped shining, in conversation with new stars of Italian cinema. This is how the exhibition “Dive & Madrine” was born, running from August 28 to September 7, during the 81st Venice International Film Festival, held at the Excelsior Hotel’s lobby, the beating heart of this international event.
This photographic exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Culture and Archivio Luce Cinecittà, and curated by Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni and Chiara Sbarigia, President of Cinecittà, unveils the history of our cinema through images of eight great divas from the past, admired through shots from the Archivio Luce and other historic archives. Today, eight contemporary actresses—who have previously taken on the role of madrinas at past editions of the Venice Film Festival—reinterpret them, dressed by prestigious Italian fashion houses. The photographs, taken by Uli Weber, celebrate the value of Made in Italy, intertwining fashion, costume, and cinema in a virtuous way.
Cinecittà was the natural choice for Weber’s shots, an iconic location and symbol of Italian cinema worldwide, a hub where history and modernity converge. The actresses posed inside Cinecittà’s legendary soundstages, where master filmmakers have created—and continue to create—their works, as well as in the large outdoor sets, its park, and exhibition spaces. These are places where the art and entertainment of the past coexist with today’s major productions.
The photographic theme connects Silvana Mangano, portrayed by Kasia Smutniak, and Sophia Loren, evoked by Caterina Murino, to Sonia Bergamasco as Alida Valli. Additionally, Stefania Sandrelli is represented by Rocío Morales, while Serena Rossi embodies Claudia Cardinale. Virna Lisi’s charm is reflected in Vittoria Puccini, Mariangela Melato’s allure shines in the eyes of Anna Foglietta, and the elegance of Monica Vitti is captured in a pose by Sveva Alviti.
“The encounter between cinema and photography,” says Undersecretary of Culture Lucia Borgonzoni, “creates a bridge between past and present, with talent as the common thread. This project aims to tell the world the extraordinary stories of some of the greatest Italian film stars, both past and present, as captured through the lens. It’s an exhibition that embodies continuity, highlighting our heritage while promoting contemporary artists.”
“All the exhibitions I’ve curated have centered around the Archivio Luce. Giving it a central role means connecting it to the present and its talents, as seen in Uli Weber’s masterful shots of the Venice Film Festival’s madrinas. This way, the archive fully expresses its testimonial value as a place for reflection and rediscovery,” explains Chiara Sbarigia, President of Cinecittà.
“With the greats of the past, instead of fetishizing them and recalling them in the usual rhetorical-celebratory way, we must engage in dialogue. This intense dialogue between the divas and the madrinas of our finest cinema represents a generational handover. It’s not just about emphasizing the connection to a glorious tradition but affirming a direct lineage. We proudly assert our ongoing leadership role: after all, we are the country with the most Oscar wins after the United States.”
The project is complemented by a catalog published by Electa, MiC, and Archivio Luce Cinecittà, in both Italian and English, featuring texts by Lucia Borgonzoni, Chiara Sbarigia, and Uli Weber. It includes photographs by Uli Weber and images from the following archives: Luce, Magnum, Reporters & Associati, and Getty Images.
