The Journey as a Search for Identity: Research Across Literature and Cinema
The concept of the journey, understood not merely as physical displacement but as a profound exploration of desire, freedom, and the redefinition of identity, lies at the heart of this research. Supported by prominent academic institutions, the work spans various art forms—from literature to cinema and photography—analyzing how these disciplines have interpreted and represented the transformative experience of travel.
A particular focus of this research is the film “Verso Benares”, a work that, through its narrative, perfectly embodies the theories of the journey. The analysis of this feature film allows for a deeper understanding of how the characters’ physical paths intertwine with their inner evolution, reflecting concepts of nomadism and existential quest.
This research has connected various academic and cultural contexts. For instance, on November 26, 2019, a conference on the work was held as part of the exhibition “Il viaggio di Isotta Nogara“, hosted at the prestigious Biblioteca Marucelliana in Florence. This occasion provided an opportunity to engage with a broad audience on the intersection of art, philosophy, and the experience of travel.
The impact of this contribution to the field of film studies was also recognized by the Fondazione Sistema Toscana, which in 2020 included the research in the publication “Itinerari del cinema italiano: 1945-2015“. This volume serves as a benchmark for the analysis of post-war Italian cinema, and the inclusion of this research highlights its critical relevance.
The culmination of years of study and dedication is represented by the book “Beyond the Frame: A Poetics of Travel in Literature and Film,” published by Bloomsbury Academic in March 2021. The work, well-received by critics, offers a deep examination of the dynamics of travel in the arts, proposing new analytical perspectives. The significant contribution of Italian and French friends and colleagues is acknowledged, recognizing their fundamental role in supporting and enabling this research project and the realization of its works on the theme of travel.