To mark the nomination of Rome to Expo 2030 the Italian Cultural Institute in London has curated the series “Roman nights”, showcasing some of the best films shot in Rome. While most of the choices will belong to the Neorealismo – a movement in Italian cinema characterised by stories set among the poor and the working class, filmed on location and often with non-professional actors - Rome will also feature in all its glory in our choice of more recent cult and Oscars winning films.

On Thursday 1 December, 6.00pm join us for the second screening of the series:

LADRI DI BICICLETTE (BICYCLE THIEVES)

Director: Vittorio De Sica

Cast: Lamberto Maggiorani, Enzo Staiola

Drama / 93mins / b&w / 1948

In Italian with English subtitles

Introduction and post screening discussion with Nick Walker

Bicycle Thieves is a neorealist drama set in post-World War II Rome, following the story of a working-class father looking for his stolen bicycle. Without it, he risks losing his job that and the only means of supporting his young family.

Adapted for the screen by Cesare Zavattini from the 1946 novel by Luigi Bartolini and starring Lamberto Maggiorani as the desperate father and Enzo Staiola as his young son, Bicycle Thieves received an Academy Honorary Award (most outstanding foreign language film) in 1950, and in 1952 was deemed the greatest film of all time by Sight & Sound magazine's poll of filmmakers and critics.

Golden Globe, Best Foreign Film, Italy; 1950.