A new cultural project has emerged in Desenzano del Garda, where the short film “Ancient Traces: Life on Stilts” was presented, the result of collaboration between ETT S.p.A. and the G. Rambotti Archaeological Civic Museum. This six-minute film offers an innovative look at the daily lives of ancient European stilt-dwelling agricultural communities, a UNESCO heritage site.
An Innovative Visual Narrative
The short film was produced in the Archeo Nature Park of Fiavé, in the province of Trento, and consists of six scenes that recreate the daily activities of the inhabitants of prehistoric alpine villages between 3800 B.C. and 1500 B.C. Utilizing Virtual Reality technology, the film allows viewers to fully immerse themselves in the prehistoric environment through 360-degree footage.
Collaboration and Funding
The Municipality of Desenzano del Garda leads a broader project titled “UNESCO Stilt Houses,” co-financed by the Ministry of Tourism and involving seven municipalities in northern Italy: Ledro, Fiavé, Monzambano, Polcenigo, Arona, Lonato del Garda, and Arquà Petrarca. This initiative aims to promote and enhance the Italian stilt-dwelling sites.
Technical and Creative Details
The production took five months of work to develop the script and conduct field shooting. Director Federico Basso employed advanced cinematographic techniques to recreate authentic scenes of Neolithic life, combining fictional elements with VR footage treated with CGI (Computer-generated Imagery). Each scene was designed to eliminate modern visual distractions through the use of artificial intelligence.
Immersive Sensory Experience
A distinctive feature of the short film is the absence of a narrator or dialogue; the narrative unfolds solely through the images and gestures of the actors. The soundtrack was specially created to evoke the prehistoric atmosphere through contemporary sound design, incorporating traditional melodies mixed with modern elements.
Future Screenings
“Ancient Traces” will be presented at the Rovereto Archaeology Memory Film Festival from October 2 to 6 at the Museum of Science and Archaeology in Rovereto, an event dedicated to innovative multimedia installations.
Cultural Impact
Local authorities have expressed enthusiasm for this project, which not only enriches the cultural offerings of the area but also represents a significant step in enhancing historical heritage through new technologies. Pietro Avanzi, Councillor for Cultural Policies of Desenzano del Garda, emphasized how innovation can serve as a powerful tool for preserving local history.
In conclusion, “Ancient Traces” stands out as a significant work that combines culture and technology in the unique context of Lake Garda, providing a new perspective on the lives of ancient Italian stilt-dwelling civilizations.
Italian Version
