Italy Revealed

Italy is a place of spectacular contrasts: a land stretching from the snow-capped peaks of the Alps to the sun-baked semi-desert of Sicily. It's a nation with a 2000-year history that only became united in its present form a century ago. A country torn between its ancient Catholic traditions and the breathtaking pace of change that marks the 21st century. This documentary special takes the viewer on a journey through the heart of Italy. Over the course of one year, the program follows the lives and loves, trials and tribulations, and hopes and dreams of 8 groups of characters who exemplify what it is to be Italian.Italy is a nation that captivates the senses from the simple pleasures of its food to the enchanting music of its great composers. But Italy is above all renowned for its devotion to the cult of visual beauty. It is no mistake that Italians treasure La Bella Figura - the beauty of appearance - above all else. From the olive groves of Tuscany to the ancient wonders of Rome and the volcanic furnace of Mt. Vesuvius to the floating beauty of Venice, Italy teases the eye. Spanning the length and breadth of Italy, this film will combine stunning location footage, not just of its famous monuments, but also of its hidden jewels. The latest computer graphics will propel the viewer on a magic carpet ride through the Italian landscape, while personal insights into the real lives of Italians will unravel the stereotypes and reveal the hidden secrets of what makes the nation tick.The very root of the program is a journey through an Italian year, a year that is shaped by constant celebrations and festivals. Using carefully crafted time-lapse footage, the film will display Italian life within the natural cycle of the seasons while the individual storylines unravel the lives of ordinary Italians.