Italian apertif Campari has launched Fellini Forward; a pioneering project that explores the genius of the late Federico Fellini. The short film used artificial intelligence and machine learning to emulate the works of one of the greatest filmmakers of all time.

The journey to create Fellini Forward was captured into a documentary that will be available to watch on Amazon Prime Video from today.

Campari worked on an advertisement with Federico Fellini for one of his few brand collaborations in 1984. Fast forward to 2021 and Francesca Fabbri Fellini, Fellini’s niece, was involved in this new collaboration, together with directors Zackary Canepari and Drea Cooper (documentary), Maximilian Niemann (short film) and wider crew, introducing them to some of Fellini’s key colleagues.

Throughout the project, Francesca shared first-hand knowledge of her uncle as well as contributing to the casting, costume design and script writing for the short film.

“My Uncle Federico was original in his ways of representing life using dreamlike elements as his means of communication,” she said. “I think a project like this is a perfect way to honour his legacy. Though he took much inspiration from his past, he was always looking ahead. A similar approach was taken for this project with Campari; it is rooted in heritage yet is futuristic with the use of Artificial Intelligence.”

Throughout the process, original members of Fellini’s crew were involved and consulted, providing key insights on the Maestro’s oeuvre. This included Fellini’s camera operator Blasco Giurato (The Clowns, 1970), his three-time Oscar-winning set designer Dante Ferretti (Orchestra Rehearsal, 1978; City of Women, 1980; And the Ship Sails On, 1983; Ginger and Fred, 1986; The Voice of the Moon, 1990) and Luigi Piccolo, Director of Sartoria Farani, a renowned Italian tailor’s shop which holds restored costumes from some of Fellini’s greatest films including Fellini Satyricon (1969), The Clowns (1970) and Amarcord, (1973).

The result culminated in a fascinating short movie, set in the heart of Rome that explores Fellini’s life and dreams with distinctive signature characters and arrangements throughout.

Through the Campari Red Diaries 2021: Fellini Forward project, Campari aims to continue the legacy of innovation and creativity set out by its founders, inspiring future generations and creatives across the globe to unlock their own passions.

Paolo Marinoni, Marketing Director – Campari Australia & New Zealand said: “Campari has always been at the forefront of cocktail culture, inspiring limitless creations since its birth in 1860. This collaboration between Campari, Francesca Fellini and Unit9 unlocked a realm of creativity. Fellini Forward not only highlights Campari’s rich history of supporting the arts and creative founders across disciplines but also our willingness to push the boundaries of creativity, to ultimately inspire creativity in others. It is with Frederico Fellini’s legacy that we are able to bring this inventive film to life, we hope Australians can enjoy its uniqueness, with a Negroni in hand.”

To get a sneak peek behind the scenes of Fellini Forward, view the teaser video on YouTube here:

Red Diaries Fellini Forward will be available for viewing in Australia on Amazon Prime from October 1 HERE.