The documentary film Sesto continente, released in 1954, earned Folco Quilici a Special Prize at the Venice Film Festival, cementing his reputation as a pioneer in underwater cinematography. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he applied his visual sensibilities to 22 films and a vast body of literature, exploring the intersection between human civilization and the natural world.
Early Life and Education
Born in Ferrara on April 9, 1930, to journalist Nello Quilici and painter Mimì Quilici Buzzacchi, his early years were marked by the turmoil of World War II. Following the death of his father in a plane crash over Libya, he moved with his mother to Rome, where he attended the Torquato Tasso high school. He later formalised his interest in filmmaking by studying at the Experimental Centre of Cinematography.
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Quilici established his career through his focus on the relationship between man and the sea. His 1955 documentary L'ultimo paradiso was awarded the Silver Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, he produced notable works including the series L'Italia vista dal cielo, a collection of 14 documentaries filmed via helicopter. In 1976, he contributed his expertise in underwater filming to Michael Anderson's production, Orca: The Killer Whale.
Literary and Journalistic Output
Beyond his film work, Quilici was a prolific writer and journalist. He held membership in the National Order of Journalists and maintained an active career in print, contributing to international publications such as Life, Epoca, and Panorama. His written works range from non-fiction environmental studies, such as the 1972 book I grandi deserti, to fictional novels, including Cacciatori di navi and the Alta profondità series. He also co-authored several biographies with his wife, Anna.
Awards and Recognition
His extensive contributions to Italian culture earned him significant accolades, including the Silver Shell for Best Director in 1959. In 2000, he received the Order of Minerva, and he was later awarded the Gold Medal of the Italian Order of Merit for Culture and Art. In 2008, the Italian Geographic Society honoured him with the La Navicella d'Oro Prize for his ability to document diverse geographical and historical territories.
Fast facts
- Born: 9 April 1930, Ferrara
- Died: 24 February 2018, Orvieto
- Education: Experimental Centre of Cinematography
- Major Award: Silver Shell for Best Director (1959)
- Documentary series: L'Italia vista dal cielo
- Citizenship: Italy
Questions readers ask
What was Folco Quilici's main cinematic focus?
He is primarily recognized for his films and documentaries exploring the relationship between humans and the sea, as well as environmental and geographical subjects.
Did he work in mediums other than film?
Yes, he was a prolific journalist and author who published numerous non-fiction works, novels, and books on geography and history starting from 1954.
Achievements
- Gold Medal of the Italian Order of Merit for Culture and Art
- Order of Minerva — 2000
- Worked as film director, writer and film editor
