Carnevale popolare a Pomigliano d'Arco

Piscicelli made this piece for the programme *Cronaca* – an investigative feature whose protagonists are the same as those involved in social struggles – though he did not credit himself. The director filmed the latest carnival in Pomigliano d’Arco on 16mm, where tradition blends with workers’ struggles. We see Marcello Colasurdo and E’ Zezi again, who had previously starred in the medium-length film La canzone di Zeza, shot the previous year. Divided into two parts, it was never broadcast in full in 1977; in subsequent years, a 66-minute version was shown, corresponding to one of the two episodes.

Directed by Salvatore Piscicelli, Carnevale popolare a Pomigliano d'Arco leans on a strong ensemble — Marcello Colasurdo — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1977.