Bella Ciao, 2022
Directed by Giulia Giapponesi.
SYNOPSIS:
The story of the folk song “Bella ciao”, from its possible origins in the 19th century to its contemporary renewed popularity.
The folk song ‘Bella ciao’ is for many people a call to arms against oppression. In the case of Italy, where many assume the song to have originated, it was believed to have been a partisan anthem in the resistance against fascists in the Second World War.
I say ‘believed’, as digging into the roots of the song show a more compilated picture. Italy is a nation of widely different regional outlooks and traditions. It is also true that as time moves ever onwards, there are less people alive with first hand recollections of the song in wartime.
Some feel that the song’s use was invented just after the war to solidify the new post-war Italy. Others think it predates the war and 19th century workers even further, stretching back into the Middle Ages.
But what the film shows very clearly is that as with myths, the overall origin of a folk song is not the prime factor of importance.
The strength of the song in its ability to communicate feeling to audiences everywhere is what sets it up as an enduring piece. Footage of the song being sung across the world as a protest song identifies it as something that speaks to people from many different walks of life.
Whether it is a folk song sung by immigrant workers, or a battle song of resolve, Bella Ciao survives because of the simple tune, the easy-to-understand lyrics and the hand claps that can be used as part of performance.
We hear from people whose lands have come under attack in recent years such as Iraq and Turkey. They each detail how singing the song helps to frame a group’s resolve and ongoing movement.
A show of resilience in the face of ongoing oppression is offered by a Kurdish woman who talks about the power of the song.
First hearing it as a child in the banned Kurdish language at a demonstration, the song became cemented in her mind as a show of strength.
It is the call for liberation that has existed for many different generations across the world that this memorable film examines brilliantly.
Documenting the power of words and the ability of music to lift the morale and resistance of people everywhere, this is a human tale of how powerful a force imagination and singing really is. In the case of Bella Ciao, the words and rhythm are ideal for a rousing song anywhere. Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao, Bella Ciao Ciao Ciao, indeed!
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Bella Ciao will be showing at London’s Bertha DocHouse as part of the Cinecittà Italian Docs season on Sunday 25h June, 15.30
Robert W. Monk
Originally published June 20, 2023. Updated June 22, 2023.
