In the current context marked by senseless wars that inflict suffering and destruction on innocent populations, the need to break the silence through art has emerged. This need gave rise to the idea of a musical documentary that chronicles the life of Nicolò Paganini, who was born in Genoa in 1742 and died in Nice in 1840, universally recognized as the greatest violinist in history. At the center of the film, produced by Alveare Cinema and with the careful screenplay by Paolo Bianchini, Luca Bianchini and Paola Rota, is the story of Paganini’s legendary violin, built in 1743 by the famous luthier Giuseppe Guarneri del Gesù. Paganini, fascinated by the sonic power of his instrument, christened it “my cannon“.
By Federica Brogna | United States of Italy
The Voice of Culture Against the din of Weapons.
September 21, 2024 marks the International Day of Peace, an occasion established by the United Nations to promote peace around the world. This year, more than ever before, it is crucial that the voice of international culture rises loud and clear against the din of arms. With this in mind, a project inspired by the film “The Peace Cannon” is being born with the ambitious goal of building a global network of personalities from the world of culture who can help realize a utopia: a different world, built on harmony among peoples, against violence, weapons and wars. This network wants to grow every day and is aimed at musicians, poets, writers, philosophers, actors, filmmakers, singers, scientists and anyone who can contribute to spreading a message of peace. The power of culture, in its multifaceted expression, is a powerful tool to counter hatred and violence and to promote solidarity among peoples.
On this date, Paganini’s “cannon” will emerge from its shrine in Palazzo Tursi to make an appeal to the world of international culture. Poets, writers, philosophers, actors, directors, singers and artists of all kinds will be invited to offer a message of peace. On a day when weapons continue to thunder, music and poetry will stand as a universal language of brotherhood, culture as the only weapon against war. History teaches us that on many occasions the emotional power of music has been able to transform enemies into brothers.
Paganini’s violin in a film between music, memory and prestigious collaborations
Among the first entities to join this initiative are institutions of great international importance. Barcelona Football Club, for example, with its deep-rooted social commitment, agreed to be part of this project, as did the municipality of Guernica, a city symbolic of the horrors of war that inspired Pablo Picasso‘s famous painting. The international news agency Pressenza, always at the forefront of human rights and peace advocacy, has also decided to join this cause.Other important endorsements include the Pau Casals Foundation in Barcelona, the UNESCO Transdisciplinary Chair in Human Development and Culture of Peace at the University of Florence, the ANAC (National Association of Cinematographic Authors), and the Washington-based production “Art without Borders,” which promotes intercultural dialogue through art.
The documentary will also be presented at the Cinema Art Center in New York, thus strengthening the cultural bridge between Italy and the United States, two nations united by a passion for the arts and culture. This international screening underscores the project’s ambition to reach a global audience and inspire deep reflections on the role of culture in promoting peace. Environmental organizations such as the Kyoto Club and Connect4Climate have also lent their support, underscoring the importance of uniting the struggle for peace with the struggle for environmental defense. These partners demonstrate how the project is able to unite diverse forces in a common cause, bringing together the commitment to peace with the protection of our planet.
The goal is clear: to build a large network of authoritative voices, from every corner of the world, capable of talking about peace, the environment and global harmony. A network that can grow every day and that, thanks to everyone’s input, can reach more and more people, to build together a better future, where culture triumphs over violence and peace replaces war.This initiative represents not only a call to action, but also a message of hope for all those who believe that a different world is possible. Peace is everyone’s right, and through culture we can ensure that it becomes a shared and lasting reality.
The utopia of peace through art
Paolo Bianchini, known for his commitment to children’s issues that earned him the title of UNICEF Ambassador in 2002, has had a rich and varied career in film and advertising. Beginning as assistant director on some sixty films with such masters of Italian cinema as Luigi Zampa, Mario Monicelli, and Sergio Leone, he went on to co-write such films as “The Seven Golden Men” and “At Any Cost.” His directing career led him to cult films such as “Hipnos” and “Devil’s man story,” which were cited by such directors as Quentin Tarantino and David Cronenberg. After a long stint in advertising, directing some two thousand commercials for major international agencies, Bianchini returned to cinema in 1997 with “The Big Oak,” a film that received numerous awards.
A significant aspect of the project was the involvement of Rai Documentari, under the direction of Fabrizio Zappi, an experienced and sensitive producer. Zappi played a crucial role in shaping Paolo Bianchini’s vision, coordinating the filming and ensuring that every detail reflected the intent to promote peace through culture. His contribution elevated the documentary, transforming it into a work that combines civic engagement and artistic quality, testifying to the importance of public service in supporting projects of social and cultural value.
Filming took place in evocative locations such as Cefalù and the Teatro Massimo in Palermo, selected for their strong visual and historical impact. These locations not only provided a visually fascinating backdrop, but also added an emotional depth that helped underscore the film’s message of reconciliation.
Young violinist Samuele Palumbo, with his extraordinary skill and passion, became the beating heart of the documentary. His performances of Paganini’s complex scores not only brought the music to life, but also embodied the spirit of peace and hope that the film aims to convey. Palumbo, along with Bianchini’s expert guidance, helped create a work that speaks to viewers’ hearts, reminding them of the unifying power of music. Samuele perfectly embodies the hope of the new generation. His skill and commitment show that young people are not just spectators, but key players in building a more just and hopeful world.
With media attention already focused on the film, the anticipation for its release on Rai 3 and screening in New York is palpable. “The Peace Cannon” is not only a tribute to Paganini’s music, but also a call to action, a call to believe that through beauty and art we can indeed build a better world.
The Magic of Music between History and the Future
In the center of a blurred scene, a vitrine slowly comes into focus, revealing a legendary violin: Paganini’s Cannone, made in 1743 by the famous luthier Guarneri del Gesù. The violin, which Niccolò Paganini called “my Cannon,” despite its warlike name, is a symbol of the expressive power of music, capable of embracing and transforming human contradictions. This powerful metaphor is explored by Alberto Giordano, a renowned luthier in charge of caring for the instrument, and Samuele, a talented 13-year-old, first violinist in the Boys’ Orchestra of Palermo’s Teatro Massimo.
The film’s plot unfolds around the process of creating a replica of the Cannon, a task Giordano undertakes under the watchful eye of Samuele, using tools and techniques dating back to the 1700s. As the luthier’s skilled hands bring the new violin to life, the narrative weaves together the stories of several emblematic figures who reflect on music’s ability to overcome cultural and social barriers.
Arnoldo Mondadori, for example, establishes a lutherie workshop in a prison, where violins are created from the wood of migrant boats shipwrecked off the coast of Lampedusa. This extraordinary initiative combines the art of violin making with a powerful message of rebirth and hope. Philosopher Vito Mancuso explores the vast universe of human emotions through music, offering a deeply spiritual perspective on universal harmony. Renowned cellist Mario Brunello accompanies these reflections with his instrument, emphasizing the importance of music as a vehicle for peace. Finally, Renzo Arbore, after a life dedicated to music, shares his vision of music as a synonym for brotherhood and unity.
The climax of the film comes with an extraordinary performance of the fourth movement of Paganini’s Second Violin Concerto. Samuele, playing the replica of the Cannone made by Giordano, joins the young musicians of the Teatro Massimo Orchestra for a flash mob in the square in front of the theater, engaging passersby in a moment of pure musical magic. This closing scene celebrates the power of music to unite people and transform life’s contradictions into universal harmony.
Anticipation for the television premiere and international screening and screening is high, and there is great curiosity to see how audiences will welcome this powerful tribute to peace and the beauty of music. The film has also been recognized as a “film of cultural interest” by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities. The film has received UNICEF, Save the Children, Community of Sant’Egidio, FGC and Agiscuola sponsorship.
Paolo Bianchini: art as a transformative force
In a world too often dominated by violence and conflict, Paolo Bianchini offers us a different vision, in which culture and art become instruments of peace and transformation. The film’s message, which through Paganini’s Cannon and the rebirth of violin making in the hands of young talents weaves together pain and hope, invites us to reflect on the role of art as a regenerative force. Art, according to Bianchini, is not just a refuge, but a powerful lever for shaping a more just and harmonious reality, where the utopia of a better world can indeed become concrete. This is the director’s legacy: a call to believe that beauty can still prevail and that culture can guide us to a peaceful future.
