Presented by Harrogate Film Society in partnership with the Friends of the Mercer Gallery.

Backstage of the Uffizi Gallery built in 1561, one of the oldest museums in the world every task

becomes a ritual. We meet the passionate staff of German director Eike Schmidt, his assistants,

architects, custodians and the concierge. We witness sensitive negotiations with British artist

Antony Gormley over the placement of one of his sculptures. Different mentalities and

viewpoints collide – European cooperation “en miniature”.

Meanwhile the film invites us to immerse ourselves into the works of Botticelli and Artemisia

Gentileschi, discovers the 17th century painting ‘Fall of the Rebel Angels’ that confront us with

our contemporary vulnerability and hubris. Wartime scenes and a Mafia bomb attack show the

history of threats and the endless efforts to protect and maintain this unique collection for

future generations.

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

The Uffizi Gallery in Florence has experienced a veritable explosion in visitor numbers in recent

years, which has only now ebbed temporarily. The incomparable cosmos of Renaissance

artwork, which has long fascinated us as directors as well, has lost none of its powerful impact

and stunning beauty over the centuries. During our research we were amazed about the large

number of young visitors who crowded in front of the pictures.

Meeting these masterpieces with an open view, they encounter in them their own unarticulated

fears and longings. First, it wasn’t easy to fade into the backstage workspace with our camera

team but after the ice was broken, we discovered that almost everybody of the staff highly

identifies with his work and the rich heritage of previous generations.

We discovered sheer endless, dedicated collective efforts to preserve this unparalleled

collection. There is a strong sense of tradition in Italy that has often been admired and at the

same time criticized. Here in the Uffizi, we got a better understanding what cultural identity

means on a daily basis.

Peace has seldom reigned in Europe and times are now, too, unsettling. With this portrait of

the world’s second oldest museum we want to give expression to the enduring hope that

despite war, pestilence and other looming threats, in the end Venus and not Mars will have the

last word.

• Seating limited to 64 so we recommend you book in advance.
• Ticket price includes a glass of wine.
• Screen 3.
• One wheelchair space – get in touch to reserve this – at contact.harrogatefilmsociety@gmail.com
• Doors open at 6.45pm and the film will start after the introduction @ 7pm.  
• All seating is unreserved.
• Free parking in Odeon car park but you must display a parking voucher available from Odeon staff.

Doors open at 6:45 for drinks (Ticket price include a glass of wine).

Tickets:

£10 Friends of the Mercer/Harrogate Film Society

£12 non-members

£6 under 25s

Book via Harrogate Film Society