The Colosseum Archaeological Park has become a natural habitat for wildlife, transformed into a unique ecosystem where humanity has vanished, leaving only the traces of its past glory in colossal ruins and magnificent monuments. When tourists depart, the humans who enter are biologists and naturalists monitoring the species within—some particularly rare and difficult to observe. The temples, columns, majestic palaces, triumphal arches, and sacred fountains of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill now serve as cliffs, rocky walls, dens, ponds, nests, and hideouts. This enormous ecological niche sustains birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and invertebrates that have developed unique adaptations to what remains of the ancient city. The sole human inhabitants, nuns and friars living in ancient convents atop the Palatine, offer perspective on the relationship between humanity and nature.
Screening: Sunday, May 17th, 4:51-6:27 PM, The Shedd Recital Hall
Length: 95 min
Country: Italy
Language: Italian
Director(s): Luca Lancise, Marco Gentili
Producer(s): Roberto Pisoni
Distributor: Ga&A