Jean-Louis Comolli's 1975 film La Cecilia revived on DVD, exploring anarchist colony's history

Doriane Films has made available Jean-Louis Comolli's 1975 movie La Cecilia on DVD, which focuses on the anarchist community of Colonia Cecilia, established in Brazil by Giovanni Rossi in 1890. This colony existed until 1894, ultimately failing due to boycotts from landlords and internal disputes. Although Comolli intended to shoot in Brazil, he moved filming to Argentina and then Italy because of political challenges. He regards La Cecilia as his first significant film, featuring non-professional actors and collective improvisation. Instead of traditional dialogue, the film incorporates militant rhetoric and anarchist music. Comolli views it as the beginning of his documentary journey, addressing themes of personal freedom and collective effort. The concluding scene alludes to Georg Büchner's 'Danton's Death.' An interview with Rosa Lleó appeared on March 5, 2009.