Filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi Explores Naples' Past, Present and Future in New Documentary

Rosi's award-winning film 'Pompei: Below the Clouds' examines the vibrant Italian city's complex relationship with its volatile natural environment.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:34pm

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Acclaimed director Gianfranco Rosi's new documentary 'Pompei: Below the Clouds' takes an in-depth look at the city of Naples, which is built upon ancient Roman ruins and sits in the shadow of the active Mount Vesuvius volcano. The film, which won two prizes at the Venice Film Festival, explores how the city's residents navigate their daily lives under the constant threat of seismic activity and eruption.

Why it matters

Naples is a city with a rich history and a precarious present, as it is situated in one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Rosi's film provides a unique perspective on how the people of Naples have adapted to living with the looming presence of natural disaster, and how the city's past, present and future are inextricably linked to its volatile geological landscape.

The details

Rosi filmed 'Pompei: Below the Clouds' in black and white, which he says allows him to 'see' the city in a new way. The documentary captures the daily lives of Neapolitans, from archaeologists uncovering the city's ancient ruins to firefighters waiting for the next emergency call. Rosi also includes humorous anecdotes, such as a man who calls the emergency hotline multiple times a day just to ask for the current time.

  • The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2025.
  • It will open in Los Angeles theaters this weekend.
  • The documentary will premiere on the Mubi streaming service on March 27, 2026.

The players

Gianfranco Rosi

An Oscar-nominated Italian filmmaker who directed the documentary 'Pompei: Below the Clouds'.

Mount Vesuvius

An active stratovolcano located near Naples that has erupted numerous times throughout history, most famously in 79 AD when it destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii.

Campi Flegrei

A supervolcano located west of Naples that, along with Mount Vesuvius, contributes to the region's constant seismic activity.

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What they’re saying

“I was cooking a nice ragù.”

— A Naples resident

What’s next

The documentary will premiere on the Mubi streaming service on March 27, 2026, making it widely available to audiences.

The takeaway

Rosi's film 'Pompei: Below the Clouds' offers a unique and poignant exploration of how the people of Naples have adapted to living in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius and other seismic threats, highlighting the city's complex relationship with its volatile natural environment.