Vivaldi and I

Italy, France 2025 / 110 minutes
Awards: Audience Award Chicago; Cinema Paradiso (Toulouse)
Photo credit: Filmladen

The film tells a wonderful story of female self-determination, set against the atmospheric backdrop of baroque Venice and accompanied by the music of Antonio Vivaldi – the creator of The Four Seasons.

In 18th century Venice, the talented violinist Cecilia (Tecla Insolia) grows up in the Ospedale della Pietà – a home for orphaned girls that introduces the children living there to the study of music and whose orchestra is renowned worldwide. During her performances for wealthy patrons, Cecilia always remains hidden behind a mask: she is not to be seen as an independent person. However, with the arrival of a new teacher, she finally gets the chance to escape the confines of her previous life and the prospect of an arranged marriage. Antonio Vivaldi (Michele Riondino), the new head of the orchestra, encourages her to follow her own path. Defying strict societal rules and fueled by the liberating power of music, Cecilia fights for her destiny and a life beyond prescribed roles.

VIVALDI AND I is inspired by the historical novel "Stabat Mater" by Venetian author Tiziano Scarpa, who was awarded Italy's most prestigious literary prize, the Premio Strega. The film had its world premiere at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival and subsequently received numerous awards, including the Audience Award for Best International Feature at the Chicago Film Festival and the Cinéma Paradiso Palmarès at the Festival du Cinéma Italien de Toulouse.