"His movies play like exquisite ethnographic studies of our planet that were made by an alien species" – The Hollywood Reporter
"Evanescent and timeless" – The Wrap
“A documentary fascinated by the fragility and suspension of life” – RogerEbert.com
Opens March 13 | From award-winning filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi comes POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS, a striking and human portrait of Naples, a city forever marked by the looming presence of Mount Vesuvius. While the volcano’s quiet threat lingers in the background, Rosi turns his lens toward the everyday rhythms of life that continue undisturbed. Archaeologists carefully brush away centuries of dust to reveal fragments of history, children recite lessons as the earth hums beneath their feet, and firefighters stand ready for the next call. Through these intimate moments and sweeping imagery, the film reveals a community that has learned to live with uncertainty. The result is a portrait at once local and universal: a reflection on humanity’s capacity to live, love, and rebuild in the shadow of the unimaginable.
Awards & Nominations
Special Jury Prize - 2025 Venice Film Festival
The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu