Roberto Rossellini Prefers Real Life is the title of a retrospective presented by the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles from November 4 to 30, 2026, marking the 120th anniversary of the Italian filmmaker’s birth. Borrowed from an essay by François Truffaut, the title captures the essence of Rossellini’s approach to filmmaking: favoring reality over carefully constructed fiction, shooting on location, working with nonprofessional actors, and allowing room for the unpredictability of life. This vision revolutionized postwar cinema and profoundly influenced generations of filmmakers, beginning with the directors of the French New Wave.

“Neo-realism is above all a moral standpoint from which to look at the world,” Rossellini declared in 1954. The statement reflects the ethical dimension of his filmmaking, in which observing reality becomes a means of understanding human nature and society. This conviction is also explored in a documentary by Adriano Aprà included in the retrospective’s program.

Rossellini’s influence extends far beyond Italian Neorealism and continues to be acknowledged by some of today’s most prominent filmmakers. Martin Scorsese has repeatedly celebrated his groundbreaking approach to cinematic storytelling, while Pedro Almodóvar has acknowledged the influence of Journey to Italy on his film Volver. Among a younger generation of filmmakers, Alice Rohrwacher has cited Rossellini as one of the directors who first sparked her interest in cinema. His artistic legacy transcends generations, national boundaries, and filmmaking traditions, underscoring the enduring relevance of his vision.

The Academy Museum retrospective presents a selection of Rossellini’s films through rare 35mm prints from the Cinecittà archive and new 4K restorations completed in its laboratories. Highlights include the world restoration premiere of Fear (1954) and the U.S. restoration premiere of Journey to Italy (1954), two films starring Ingrid Bergman that represent a pivotal period in Rossellini’s artistic evolution.

Presented by the Academy Museum in partnership with Italy’s Ministry of Culture and Cinecittà, the retrospective will also welcome Isabella Rossellini, the internationally acclaimed actress and daughter of Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman, who will appear in person for the series’ first two evenings. For Los Angeles audiences, the program offers an opportunity to rediscover on the big screen a filmmaker who profoundly shaped the history of world cinema and whose artistic legacy continues to influence contemporary directors.

For more information and the full program, visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures website.

Source: Academy Museum of Motion Pictures