Renowned Italian director Paolo Taviani has passed away at the age of 92. He died in a clinic in Rome after a brief illness, surrounded by his wife and two children. The Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, announced the sad news, describing Taviani as a great master of Italian cinema.
Born in 1931 in Tuscany, Taviani formed a successful directing partnership with his brother Vittorio. Together, they created impactful films for more than five decades. Among their notable works is the Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Padre Padrone,” which tells the story of a young shepherd breaking free from his father’s control.
Their collaboration continued with films like “La notte di San Lorenzo” and “Caesars Must Die,” which received critical acclaim. Even after Vittorio’s passing in 2018, Paolo Taviani continued to work on projects like “Leonora Addio,” showcasing his talent and passion for storytelling.
Tributes have been pouring in for Taviani, with former Cannes president Gilles Jacob praising him as “one half of an enchanting duo.” The Venice Biennale also recognized him as a “master of Italian cinema and an emblematic figure of civil commitment cinema.”
Paolo Taviani leaves behind a lasting legacy in the world of cinema and is survived by his wife and two children. His contribution to Italian and global cinema will be remembered and cherished for years to come.