90'/60' | Arts&Culture | 4K

GBR 2021

Millstream

It is the most famous protest song in the world, sung in the streets of Baghdad and Beirut, Rio and Rome.
From its humble origins as an antifascist anthem of the Italian partisans in World War II, it has spread worldwide, even becoming the theme for the hit drama Money Heist, one of the most popular Netflix series. This is the story of how Bella Ciao became the anthem of rebels and resistance the world over.
The combination of a catchy melody, that allows for rhythmic hand clapping, and a message of resistance and love makes this song accessible to everyone. The mix of mystery, rebellion, passion and sheer fun have turned this song into a symbol of human resistance in times of adversity, and of the unquenchable thirst for freedom. Over and above its musical characteristics, Bella Ciao has a long history rooted in popular culture and, like all folk songs, touches deep emotions of ordinary people In all its versions, whether the rebel
partisan fighter anthem, the rice paddy workers’ song or the nursery rhyme, Bella Ciao has always been
loved for its to ability to bring together crowds in a fun and engaging participative musical rally cry. The film is divided into four macro chapters, each containing three sub-segments, to help set the fast-moving narrative. We trace the history of the song and investigate its international success, using archival film and
performances of its different expressions (samba, rock, pop, hiphop).