While the world shut down due to COVID, I was out filming…well a dog with a GoPro on his back was. Camerawork credit goes to Ginger the Beagle. This film takes a look at Florence empty.
Life Modelling at 80
Australian Victor Caulfield is almost 80 years old and he is passing his retirement in Florence, Italy. The city is famed for its numerous art colleges, each requiring life models. While most tend to be young students, Victor is bucking the trend. But he will only pose nude for one artist- sculptor Jason Arkles. This is a rare look behind the scenes of a life modelling session, showing the passion, and the people in Florence who teach and practice it.
Aldo of Porta Romana
Meet Aldo. Always spotted walking around Florence’s Porta Romana. He takes us back to the liberation of the city where he was born, and shares some of his funny memories.
Training the Easter Oxen
Bimbo and Barone are two important Chianina Oxen. They play a crucial part in Florence’s famous Easter celebrations. I was given rare access to film them in training at home near Florence. These creatures are the largest of their type in the world, yet still have incredible grace, intelligence and wisdom.
GERONIMO
Teenager Alessia is disabled, but she doesn’t let this hold her back. Follow her onto the ski slopes for the first time….GERONIMO! The trip was organised by the incredible organisation Marta Cappelli.
Explosive Easter in Florence
Take 2,500 fireworks, load them onto a 350 year old cart, drive (with oxen) into the city centre, and ignite. This is how this century-old tradition goes in Florence, by way of celebrating Easter. A wonderfully noisy experience. Unmissable.
Alfonso the Carpenter of Scandicci
Since the age of 14 Alfonso has been working with wood, creating everyday items for the kitchen and the home. There’s nothing he can’t make. He moved decades ago from Calabria to Florence, Scandicci, where he’s been continuing his craft from his small workshop, but in just a few weeks he’ll be closing to good, to enjoy retirement with his wife, family and many friends who pass by to say hello.
Porcellino’s New Nose
The bronze boar, or Porcellino is one of the symbols of Florence. It’s said that touching its snout brings good luck, but with so many millions doing so, holes have appeared. Thanks to a bronze foundry in the city, it is being repaired. The Marinelli Foundry is one of the few places in the world with the skills and artisans to do such a complex job.
How a symbol saved my family
How can a symbol save the lives of one family? Meet Massimo. In 1944 Florence, Italy as German soldiers were in retreat they went door to door rounding up the men. Massimo’s family was saved by an unusual feature on his house.