Exclusive Announcement
EXCLUSIVE: Mubi has announced a first quarter 2026 release date for Gianfranco Rosi’s acclaimed documentary Below the Clouds, which won the Special Jury Prize at Venice. The film is set for a preliminary release this fall to qualify for awards.
Global Distribution Plans
Mubi, a prominent entity in film distribution, streaming, and production, will handle the release of the film across a broad range of territories. These include North America, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, Turkey, India, and the Australasia region, where Mubi retains distribution rights.
Documentary’s Rich Context
The documentary offers an intimate glimpse into the region between Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, an area known for its periodic seismic activities and the sulfurous air emanating from the Phlegraean Fields.
Cinematic Craftsmanship
Continuing the tradition of his previous works like Fire at Sea and Notturno, Rosi’s latest project is a profound exercise in cinematic depth and engagement.
In-Depth Local Exploration
Rosi spent three years filming in the vicinity of Naples, immersing himself in local communities affected by the looming presence of Vesuvius.
Exploring a Hidden Naples
The film, presented in black and white, delves into the layers of history, the echoes of a subterranean world, and contemporary societal issues. It portrays a side of Naples lesser seen, inhabited by a diverse group of locals, religious devotees, tourists, and archaeologists who unearth relics that breathe new life into museum displays of statues and ancient fragments.
Daily Life Amid Historical Echoes
The narrative weaves through various facets of life in the region: from a local train that encircles Vesuvius to racehorses training by the shore. It captures a teacher running an informal afterschool program, firemen soothing the concerns of residents, police chasing looters of historical artifacts, and the bustling activity in the port of Torre Annunziata where Syrian tankers offload Ukrainian grain. The area is depicted as a living tapestry of history and modernity.
A Milestone in Black and White Filmmaking
Below the Clouds is notable for being Rosi’s first black-and-white film in over three decades. Rosi previously made history at the Venice Film Festival in 2013 with his film Sacro GRA, which was the first documentary ever to win the Golden Lion.
Behind the Scenes
Rosi not only directed and wrote Below the Clouds but also took on the roles of cinematographer and sound designer. The film’s editing was a collaborative effort between Fabrizio Federico and Joe Bini, with an original score composed by Academy Award winner Daniel Blumberg.
Production Team
The documentary was produced by Donatella Palermo, Gianfranco Rosi, Paolo Del Brocco, and involves production companies 21Uno Film srl and Stemal Entertainment srl, in association with Rai Cinema.
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