Disappearing Ways of Life – The Films of Vittorio de Seta
This is neorealism at its best, a director to rediscover in our days!
De Seta’s films were often praised for their poetic and visual quality. They show the beauty and simplicity of everyday life in scenes of swordfish fishing, sulfur mining, mending of nets and boats, farming and shepherding. In his short 11 minute documentaries he shows the craft of manual labor, the beauty of the sea and countryside, the communal spirit and bonds, laying out the regional culture of the early Fifties in southern Italy. In a later interview he mentioned that he at the time was not aware that that way of life would disappear within a few years. The 1950s was a time of huge change, caused by rapid industrialization and modernization as well as heavy emigration to America, particularly from the southern regions of Italy.
This made me think of things we take for granted nowadays. Once again, we live in a time of unrest and rapid change. As in the days of de Seta there may be elements that will disappear and not come back, things and cultural patterns that may carry much worth for us but may be swept away in these days of cultural change. But there might be things we need and want to preserve through storytelling, writing and other visual expressions. We may also need to conclude that things we cherished have disappeared and they are not coming back.
Many of De Seta’s documentaries can be viewed on YouTube.
Rinus Baljeu, June 2025
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