Message from Vincent…

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"Carnival in Venice" (working title)

It has been a goal of mine to go to Carnival in Venice.  To mark this occasion, I have decided to create a documentary about Carnival.  Initially intended to be more socially oriented, meeting someone absolutely vital and synonymous with Carnival as it is today as well as four figures who are among the most popular Carnival goers have shifted its gears, though social elements will still be explored.

Among the social issues to explore are:

The “Anti-Carnival” crowd.  There are many residents of Venice who fight to ban Carnival.  Among them are people who lived in Venice prior to Carnival being legalized again in 1979 after being banned for so many years.

Covid.  How did Venice deal with Covid.  Carnival brings a good chunk of commerce to the city.  Did the city suffer when it was cancelled in 2021…?

Flooding.  How does the city handle flooding during Carnival…?

La Fenice (the city’s opera company).  Does Carnival affect them…?  Do they go hand in hand…?.

Traditions.  Are there families who, as with bridal dresses and/or accessories, pass down costumes within families from generation to generation…or even year to year…?

But the main focus will be on preparation for Carnival.  And the central figure in this documentary will be Antonia Sautter, creative/artistic director of Il Ballo del Doge, Venice’s most lavish and grandest ball, staged on one evening, rivaling and perhaps surpassing the opulence of any Cirque du Soleil performance.  Also featured will be the Rose Sisters.  Three sisters from Dusseldorf who have become legendary due to their own lavish costumes.  Then there is another figure: Paolo Favalesi.  Paolo himself has among the most lavish costumes in Carnival and is certainly the most popular male figure.