In the world of cinema, travel literature and poetry have always played a crucial role. They have been used to create a sense of mystery, adventure, and exploration, both narratively and visually. In particular, Indian literature and travel poetry have inspired many films, exploring themes such as spirituality, culture, and tradition.
One of the most important festivals celebrating this connection is “Udaipur Tales – International Storytelling Festival”, held annually in Udaipur, India. Founded in 2017, this event celebrates storytelling drawn from traditions, journeys, and poetry, featuring narratives about loss and awakening asia.si.edu+11en.wikipedia.org+11udaipurtales.com+11.
While films like Life Is Beautiful (Roberto Benigni, 1997) and The River (Jean Jacques Annaud, 1951) address themes of suffering and spirituality in exotic settings, they were not presented at Udaipur Tales, contrary to what was previously stated.
In 2015, the mainstream Indian epic Bajirao Mastani, though inspired by poetic themes, does not concern spiritual journeys and was not featured at these festivals.
Pierre Loti and his vision of Benares
One of the most important references remains Pierre Loti, who in 1897 published Pèlerinage à Bénarès (“Pilgrimage to Benares”), where he vividly describes the Ganges and the sacred city of Benares (Varanasi) with a deeply poetic and spiritual gaze .
Italian cinema and documentaries on the subject
Although few Italian fiction films are set in Benares, some documentaries evoke India’s spirituality:
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India (1959), a documentary by Roberto Rossellini, produced in collaboration with Indian broadcasters, captures everyday life and spiritual aspects, though not exclusively focused on Benares en.wikipedia.org+3uff.cinemaofresistance.in+3en.wikipedia.org+3.
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The series “Attraversando il Bardo” by Franco Battiato includes:
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Apud Benares – Where Wisdom Dwells (2001), which evokes the sacred atmosphere of the city.
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Crossing the Bardo – Visions of the Beyond (2014), exploring themes of life, death, and rebirth with references to Eastern spirituality .
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Benares continues to hold a powerful allure in the Western—especially Italian—imaginarium, symbolizing death, rebirth, and spirituality. Although Italian fiction films set in the city are rare, its influence resonates through documentary, literary, and poetic works.