Camera con Vista

Florence is a beautiful place and would make a wonderful setting for a film, especially a love story.

That's what director James Ivory believed when he made the 1985 film Camera con Vista, or A Room with a View, based on E.M. Forster's novel.

Fast forward 30 years.  A few days ago, we attended a screening of A Room with a View here in Florence. 

The occasion was the 30th anniversary of the film's release, plus Florence's mayor awarding James Ivory the Fiorino d'oro (the Golden Flower) for making "an unforgettable romantic image of the city, so much so that this is the movie that has contributed more than any other to spreading the image and beauty of Florence throughout the world."

Below are some photos from the gala event at the Odeon, Florence's majestic movie theater.

The screening included an appearance by James Ivory plus the film's two principal actors, Helena Bonham Carter and Julian Sands. A lively panel discussion preceded the film, with James Ivory commenting that Florence is the most beautiful city in the world, with the most beautiful buildings and artwork.  The hometown crowd agreed with great applause. 

Photo we took: Julian Sands (middle), James Ivory (tan jacket), Helena Bonham Carter (right), with interviewer and interpreter 

The screening was hosted at the Odeon, a wonderful Art Deco theater where we have enjoyed many wonderful films during Year 2 and during earlier visits to Florence.

P.S.  Scenes were filmed all over Florence, including one scene near our apartment. Seeing the film was bittersweet because it emphasized Florence's lasting beauty and made us realize how much we will miss Florence.