As the BFI host a season of Italian neo-realist films by auteur actor-director Vittorio de Sica, we pick out our favourites:
Shoeshine, film by Vittorio de Sica
Shoeshine, de Sica's first major work, is also one of the first Italian neorealist films. It follows two homeless young boys who turn to shining shoes to pursue their dream of buying a horse, and come into trouble with the law.
A bleak portrayal of poverty and injustice in the wake of fascism in Rome, Shoeshine was the first foreign language film to ever receive an honorary Oscar, and acted as precursor to the foreign film category itself.
A landmark work of post war Italian cinema, Shoeshine is a must-see in the de Sica season. Harrowing and uncompromising realism.
The BFI will be showing Shoe Shine twice during the season. Click here to buy BFI tickets.
Shoeshine, film by Vittorio de Sica
Shoeshine, de Sica's first major work, is also one of the first Italian neorealist films. It follows two homeless young boys who turn to shining shoes to pursue their dream of buying a horse, and come into trouble with the law.
A bleak portrayal of poverty and injustice in the wake of fascism in Rome, Shoeshine was the first foreign language film to ever receive an honorary Oscar, and acted as precursor to the foreign film category itself.
A landmark work of post war Italian cinema, Shoeshine is a must-see in the de Sica season. Harrowing and uncompromising realism.
The BFI will be showing Shoe Shine twice during the season. Click here to buy BFI tickets.
Looking for more?
Read our selection of the best films in the Vittorio de Sica BFI retrospective
| What | Shoeshine (1946) Vittorio de Sica BFI Film Season |
| Where | BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, Southbank, London, SE1 8XT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Waterloo (underground) |
| When |
On 13 Aug 15, 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM On 15 Aug 15, 3:50 PM – 5:23 PM |
| Price | £10 |
| Website | Click here to book via the BFI website. |
