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Movie night with a Wertmüller gem from 1974

The two leads of Swept Away embracing on the rocks

October 13, 2026 – Please join us for an evening dedicated to one of the most iconic and provocative films of Italian cinema. Directed by the brilliant and groundbreaking Lina Wertmüller, Travolti da un insolito destino nell’azzurro mare d’agosto (Swept away) is a film that combines sharp social commentary, dark humor, romance, and adventure. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, the story follows a wealthy northern Italian woman and a Sicilian working-class sailor whose relationship is transformed when a boating accident leaves them stranded on a deserted island.

Beneath the surface of this unusual love story lies a deeper exploration of class conflict, power, gender roles, and the social tensions of 1970s Italy.

Wertmüller — the first woman ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director — created a film that continues to challenge audiences with its complexity, irony, and unforgettable characters.

This screening offers an opportunity to rediscover one of the masterpieces of Italian cinema and to reflect on the unique voice of a filmmaker who used humor and provocation to explore the contradictions of human relationships and society.

Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00PM

Location: Queen Street Playhouse, 20 Queen Street, Downtown Charleston, SC 29401

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Townspeople dancing hand in hand in a street of Siena, one playing a tambourineAmbrogio Lorenzetti, Effects of Good Government in the City, c. 1338, Palazzo Pubblico, Siena
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