Turin, the historic capital of Italian cinema and major film festivals

The temple of the seventh art is the Mole Antonelliana, which now houses the National Cinema Museum and the extraordinary collection of 1,800,000 works, including films, archive documents, photographs, equipment and art objects, posters and memorabilia displayed in showcases on the spiral ramp that rises towards the dome. In  the heart of Turin, inside the iconic Mole Antonelliana, it is more than just an exhibition: it is an immersive journey into the history of the seventh art, capable of fascinating both enthusiasts and curious visitors.

As soon as you enter, you are greeted in a scenic space that looks like a life-size film set. Soft lighting, projections and interactive installations accompany the audience along a route that tells the story of the evolution of cinema, from the first magic lanterns to the most modern digital technologies. Each section is designed to engage: it ranges from the origins of the movement to the great Hollywood productions, with original costumes, props and memorabilia.

 One of the most striking elements is the vertical layout of the Mole: the gaze rises upwards following a spiral of screens and display panels, while comfortable chaise longues allow you to lie down and enjoy film clips projected on the ceiling. It is an almost dreamlike experience, which transforms the visit into a moment of contemplation as well as discovery. Also not to be missed is the panoramic glass lift, which crosses the central void of the Mole and leads to the terrace. From here, Turin reveals itself in all its elegance, with the Alps in the background: a perfect ending to a visit that combines culture, history and wonder. The National Cinema Museum is not just a tourist stop, but a place capable of conveying emotions, dreams and imagination. An experience that stays with you, just like a great film.

Strolling through the streets of the centre and the suburbs, it's easy to discover some of the most fascinating locations and the places where the main scenes set in the Piedmontese capital were filmed. Starting with the old Porta Susa station, for example, which hosted the filming of the silent film "Cabiria" in 1914, the first major blockbuster in the history of cinema. The filming took place mainly between Lungo Dora and the Valleys of Lanzo, but the statue of the god Moloch used for the film is now on display in the Cinema Museum. The legendary "War and Peace", based on Tolstoy's novel, was also filmed in 1956 in the Sabauda Residence of the Castello del Valentino, with Audrey Hepburn and Henry Fonda. And how could we forget "The Italian Job" with the unmistakable Mini Coopers between Villa della Regina and the Pista del Lingotto.

Marcello Mastroianni, Jacqueline Bisset and Jean-Louis Trintignant walked the streets of Piazza della Repubblica and the Porta Palazzo market (the largest in Europe) for "La donna della domenica" by Luigi Comencini, released in 1975. Among the most famous films of that same year is also "Deep Red" by Dario Argento, who carefully chose the sets of Art Nouveau Turin on the hill as well as the De Chirico-style scenery of Piazza CLN. "Santa Maradona", on the other hand, was the cult film of thirty-somethings on the threshold of the new millennium, starring Stefano Accorsi in a Turin that is changing its face and discovering the "movida", with a set between Via Lagrange and Via Teofilo Rossi. The noble palaces of the centre of Turin form the backdrop to "Divo", with Toni Servillo in the role of Giulio Andreotti: Paolo Sorrentino's film, winner of the jury prize at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival, was made almost entirely in Turin. Among others, we also recall "Born into the World", an international blockbuster directed by Sergio Castellitto and starring Hollywood stars Penelope Cruz and Emile Hirsch, where the Cavallerizza Reale becomes a glimpse of Sarajevo at the time of the Balkan war. And how could we not mention the paradoxical comedy "Benvenuto Presidente", where Claudio Bisio is an ordinary citizen who, by a strange twist of fate, becomes President of the Republic? Here too, the Palace of Venaria and the historic buildings of Turin are transformed into the palaces of Roman power. 

Today, Turin is confirmed as a contemporary "dream factory" for film and audiovisual productions with a strong international appeal, but also as one of the most active and well-organised locations for both the big screen and streaming productions. Some examples? From  the docu-film "Pellizza – Pittore da Volpedo", focusing on the tormented Divisionist painter and creator of the canvas "Il Quarto Stato", to the blockbuster "The Count of Montecristo" (filmed at the Royal Palace, Galleria Subalpina, Teatro Carignano, Museo del Risorgimento and Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi, as well as other locations in Piedmont); from the series based on Tomasi di Lampedusa's masterpiece "Il Gattopardo" to two dramas that have won over viewers thanks in part to the outstanding role played by the city of Turin: "Cuori 3" (directed by Turin-born Riccardo Donna, set in the 1970s with a focus on the Molinette hospital complex) and "La legge di Lidia Poët", dedicated to the first woman to join the Order of Lawyers in Italy, whose late 19th-century adventures unfold against the backdrop of historic buildings in the city centre that are emblematic of post-unification Italy, to the magnificent Monumental Cemetery and the banks of the Po, brought to life by the first rowing clubs founded in Italy.

Cinematic brilliance and vitality are the common denominator of Turin and the whole of Piedmont. A vocation that is rooted in the very history of Italian cinema and that today continues to reinvent itself thanks to a dynamic creative ecosystem capable of attracting productions from all over the world.

The beating heart of this system is the Film Commission Torino Piemonte, created with the support of the Region and the collaboration of numerous local cultural organisations and associations. More than just a support body, the Film Commission is a true point of reference for the audiovisual industry: it supports productions at every stage, from location scouting to logistics, to coordination with local institutions and workers.

The Piedmont region stands out for its extraordinary variety of scenery. There are more than 800 locations in the catalogue: from the Baroque architecture of the historic centre of Turin to the Savoy residences, from the Alpine landscapes to the UNESCO World Heritage hills, to the villages and converted industrial settings. This wealth has made the region an excellent set for more than 1,300 titles, including Italian and international productions, television series, animated films, short films and documentaries.

To support professionals, the Film Commission provides a detailed  production guide, a practical and comprehensive tool that facilitates every organisational aspect: permits, local suppliers, technical services and contacts with the workforce. This practical help makes Piedmont not only an evocative destination, but also an efficient and competitive choice for the world of cinema. In this context, Turin and Piedmont are confirmed not only as places to be portrayed on the big screen, but as true stars of contemporary cinematic storytelling, where tradition and innovation come together to give life to new stories and visions.  

The story of Turin and cinema is a glorious one that is still evolving, and it must include a visit to the RAI Museum of Radio and Television. Founded in 1953 on the direct initiative of RAI in the very central production centre in Via Verdi, with over 1,500 exhibits, including historical equipment, costumes and microphones, it is a must-visit to retrace the history of media in Italy, from the technological evolution of the 1920s to digital TV.