Italian Neo-Realism Context research

• Prior to 1945, countries film industry was run by the state under Mussolinis Fascist regime
• State prevented films from depicting the country or regime in a bad light - Heavy censorship
• Most films created during wartime were comedies or dramas depicting high wealth life in Italy - Known as White Telephone films
• With fall of Mussolini and end of war, censorship was ended and film industry was able to show whatever they wanted
• Neo realist films began popping up at end of war with censorship lifted
• Neo-realist films not popular in Italy due to reflection of post war Italy
• Italian Population wanted escapism and resorted to standard dramas and comedies that depicted happy life
• Neo realism very popular international, provided insight for other nations into post war Italy
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