acclaimed italian filmmaker oliver astrologo has captured the beauty of italy’s empty spaces in the midst of social distancing. his short film, which we recently published on our instagram, offers a message of hope to those who are staying home due to the outbreak of the coronavirus COVID-19 and the governmental advice to avoid public gatherings.

 

 
 
 
 
 
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released on the 17 march, the anniversary of the unification of italy, the short film was created to uplift communities during this time. capturing a sentiment that applies to all that are effected by these measures, countries that are the most beautiful in their own right, and the most beautiful the those that inhabit them.

oliver astrologo offers hope by capturing the beauty of empty spaces in italy

 

in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, italy has been hit especially hard, with some 60 million people asked to stay home. as a result, the country’s tourist landmarks, local piazzas, and seaside towns have been left empty. in response, astrologo has created a visual celebration of spaces once busy, with people, tradition, craftsmanship and creativity.

oliver astrologo offers hope by capturing the beauty of empty spaces in italy

 

 

‘we italians are strange people, in love with contradictions,’ says paolo buglioni, an italian actor who narrates the video. ‘we live in the most beautiful country in the world and we hardly acknowledge it. and now, that the country is empty and we can admire it only from the window in all that silence it seems even more incredible.’

oliver astrologo offers hope by capturing the beauty of empty spaces in italy

 

 

the video concludes with a message of hope, courage and national pride: ‘we miss its beauty but there is something reassuring. when all of this is over we’ll fill those squares again and all the monuments envied by the rest of the world will still be the background of our kisses.’

 

‘we’ll take back all this beauty because out of our windows it’s still the most beautiful country of the world.’

 

directed by: oliver astrologo
voiceover: paolo buglioni
words: daniele sigalot
music: joe shepherd