Italian filmmaker Alice Rohrwacher, recognized for her distinctive vision in films such as “The Wonders,” “Happy as Lazzaro,” and “La Chimera,” is venturing into a new artistic domain with the creation of a silent movie. This ambitious project underscores her continuous pursuit of innovative storytelling and her commitment to exploring the essence of visual expression. Set to be honored with the European Achievement in World Cinema award at the European Film Awards, Rohrwacher articulated her desire to harness the power of images through a subtractive approach, highlighting the unique expressive potential of silent cinema. Her collaborative spirit, particularly with cinematographer Hélène Louvart and producer Carlo Cresto-Dina, has been pivotal in shaping her acclaimed body of work, all of which has consistently been captured on celluloid, emphasizing method and creativity within limitations.
Celebrated Director Alice Rohrwacher to Unveil Silent Film Endeavor, Honored at European Film Awards
In an announcement made on January 14, 2026, Italian director Alice Rohrwacher confirmed her next cinematic venture will be a silent film, a decision unveiled during an extensive interview with Variety. This revelation comes as the acclaimed filmmaker, aged 44, is slated to receive the prestigious European Achievement in World Cinema prize at the European Film Awards ceremony in Berlin this Saturday. Rohrwacher, whose previous four feature films—including “The Wonders,” “Happy as Lazzaro,” and “La Chimera”—have all premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, expressed her intention to explore the profound impact of visual storytelling by stripping away superfluous elements. She emphasized that silent cinema represents a fundamentally distinct artistic medium, separate from its spoken counterpart, and offers a unique opportunity to meticulously examine and magnify the power of images. The director also reflected on her collaborative partnership with cinematographer Hélène Louvart, spanning all her feature films, and her enduring relationship with producer Carlo Cresto-Dina and his company Tempesta, acknowledging their instrumental roles in her creative journey. Rohrwacher's dedication to using celluloid for her productions stems from a belief that its inherent limitations foster greater creativity and a deeper appreciation for the filmmaking process.
Alice Rohrwacher's decision to embark on a silent film project is a profound statement on the enduring power of visual narrative in an age saturated with multimedia. It challenges us to reconsider how meaning is conveyed and experienced when stripped of auditory dialogue. Her perspective on silent cinema as a distinct expressive art form, rather than a mere historical precursor, invites audiences and filmmakers alike to explore new frontiers of storytelling. This bold move is a testament to her artistic courage and her unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of cinematic language, reminding us that true innovation often lies in returning to fundamental principles and reinterpreting them with fresh eyes.