Cinematic adaptation of Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida that brings to the screen the poignant epic of the conflict between personal passions and public responsibilities.
Set in ancient Egypt, amidst regal splendor and wartime tensions, the narrative, rich in emotional intensity, explores with great dramatic and musical force the exhausting duel between love and duty.
Between Aida, an Ethiopian slave serving the Queen of Egypt, and Radamès, a young Egyptian commander, a deep and tormented love blooms, threatened by hatred between their peoples and courtly power struggles. Aida is torn between loyalty to her homeland and her passion for Radamès, while he struggles to reconcile his duty as a soldier with the feelings binding him to the young slave.
Against the backdrop of these tensions, Queen Amneris, consumed by unrequited love and fiery jealousy, watches with eyes filled with resentment the passion between Aida and Radamès; beside her, the imposing figure of the Egyptian king embodies an ancient and relentless power.
Verdi’s music resonates as the beating heart of the story, with arias and choruses that mark the passions, doubts, and tragedies of the protagonists, immersing the viewer in a full and vibrant lyrical experience. The film distinguishes itself with sumptuous set design and cinematography that highlight the magnificence of the settings and the emotional intensity of the characters.
The cinematic work offers an intense and moving portrayal of an impossible love and extreme sacrifice, balancing historical epic with the intimacy of feelings. With great respect for the original score and a visually captivating presentation, Aida stands as a powerful tribute to the great tradition of Italian opera, capable of touching and captivating even those encountering this masterpiece for the first time.

Director: Clemente Fracassi Story: based on an idea by Auguste Mariette, from the opera of the same name by Giuseppe Verdi (libretto by Antonio Ghislanzoni) Screenplay by Clemente Fracassi, Carlo Castelli, Anna Gobbi, Giorgio Salviucci Photography: Piero Portalupi Editing: Mario Bonotti Music: Giuseppe Verdi Set Design: Flavio Mogherini Costume Design: Maria De Matteis Cast: Sophia Loren – voice: Renata Tebaldi (Aida), Lois Maxwell - voice: Ebe Stignani (Amneris), Luciano Della Marra - voice: Giuseppe Campora (Radamès), Afro Poli - voice: Gino Bechi (Amonasro), Antonio Cassinelli - voice: Giulio Neri (Ramfis), Enrico Formichi (The Pharaoh), Domenico Balini (The Messenger), Marisa Valenti (A Handmaid), Alba Arnova (Principal Dancer) Production: Gregor Rabinovitch, Federico Teti (for CEI Incom) Distribution: CEI Incom, I.F.E. Releasing Corporation (Italy); Surf Video (home video in Italy) Year: 1953 Running time: 95'