| Abstrakt: |
This contribution consists of two new translations of Francesco Pasinetti's essays on documentary filmmaking. In 'The meaning of documentaries' (1934) Pasinetti rhapsodizes on the cinema of Joris Ivens, Dziga Vertov, Robert J. Flaherty, among others, arguing that contemporary Italian documentarians are capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with these remarkable foreign filmmakers. He suggests that the documentary form is an invaluable pedagogical tool and should receive more support from the governing bodies. In 'The sense of documentary' (1941), Pasinetti outlines his poetic and practical principles for documentary filmmaking that truly possesses 'the sense of cinema'. He insists on the need for a central theme, marked figurative continuity, intensive research and planning stages – including best exhibition practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
