Based on Curzio Malaparte’s memoirs, The Skin exposes the corruption-ridden diplomatic ties

between the Allies and Italian forces during World War II. Cavani does not shy away from

controversy, boldly depicting the period of U.S. occupation in Italy and the desperate struggle of

Italians to survive. Survival here bears little resemblance to victory after liberation – prostitution

flourishes in Naples, while the Sicilian mafia forges secret deals with American officials. The

film’s truth is harsh and tragic. Featuring some of the brightest stars of Italian cinema of the time

– Claudia Cardinale, Marcello Mastroianni, and Burt Lancaster.

Born in Carpi, Italy, in 1933, Liliana Cavani is one of the most celebrated Italian filmmakers of

the 20th century. After studying classical literature, she trained in directing at Rome’s

Experimental Center of Cinematography. She began her career in the 1960s with bold political

documentaries for television, before moving into feature films that established her reputation as

a daring and uncompromising voice. Cavani’s cinema is intellectual and provocative, probing

questions of history, morality, power, and the psychology of politics, often inspired by literature.

In 2023, the Venice International Film Festival honored her with its Golden Lion for Lifetime

Achievement.