Award-winning Venice documentary Pompei: Below the Clouds celebrated with special ICA London event

A special preview screening of Pompei: Below the Clouds will take place at the Institute of Contemporary Arts on Sunday 22 March, giving London audiences an early chance to see the Venice-winning documentary ahead of its streaming release. The event will feature a Q&A with director Gianfranco Rosi and composer Daniel Blumberg, followed by a live performance from saxophonists John Butcher and Seymour Wright.

Below the Clouds (Sotto le nuvole) Dir. Gianfranco Rosi

The screening is part of a series of new activations surrounding the release of the film, which will stream exclusively on MUBI from 27 March. The documentary recently won the Special Jury Prize at the 2025 Venice Film Festival and marks the latest work from the acclaimed filmmaker, known for his observational approach to storytelling.

Alongside the event, MUBI has unveiled a new behind-the-scenes short film titled Making Of The Score with Daniel Blumberg. The short explores the composer’s creative process while developing the film’s original score and was filmed at the celebrated experimental music venue Café Oto.

Below the Clouds (Sotto le nuvole) Dir. Gianfranco Rosi

The soundtrack for Pompei: Below the Clouds has also been released digitally via Café Oto’s record label OTOROKU, with a limited vinyl LP edition expected on 24 April. Blumberg’s score helps shape the film’s atmosphere as it follows daily life unfolding in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.

Shot over three years in and around Naples, the film captures archaeologists uncovering the past, children studying in classrooms, and firefighters preparing for the next emergency as the volcano quietly dominates the landscape. Through intimate scenes and striking black-and-white imagery, Rosi presents a powerful portrait of life in a city shaped by history and the constant presence of nature.

Below the Clouds (Sotto le nuvole) Dir. Gianfranco Rosi

An exclusive preview screening of Pompei: Below the Clouds, followed by a Q&A, will take place at the ICA in London on Sunday, 22 March. The film will begin at 5.15pm and will be followed by a conversation with director Gianfranco Rosi and composer Daniel Blumberg. Tickets are now on sale.

Pompei: Below the Clouds will be released exclusively on MUBI on 27 March 2026.