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Eyes Wide Shut 

© Filippo Venturi

Venice

The Carnival of Venice is one of the most renowned events in the world. The first record dates back to 1094, to be precise to a document of Doge Vitale Falier, which speaks for the first time the public amusements related to the Carnival.

The establishment of the Carnival is attributed to the need to provide to the population, especially from the most humble walks of life, a period dedicated to the fun and festivities, during which the Venetians and foreigners poured into the city to celebrate with music and dances. The use of masks and costumes guaranteed anonymity, which allowed the leveling of social divisions.

On February 10, 2018 was held the 25th edition of "Il Ballo del Doge" in the historical palace Pisani Moretta along the Grand Canal. It is one of the most famous events and exclusive of the city, which annually attracts visitors from around the world. Tickets for dinner and show cost between 1,000 and 4,000 Euros. During the event it is common to come across members of foreign royal families, scions of noble families, entrepreneurs and TV celebrities.

Il Ballo del Doge is also "a substantial flywheel for the local economy, which in 2017, is estimated in a turnover of between 3 and 4 million euros for 1,500 overnight stays in 4 and 5 star hotels or apartments, 2 thousand transfers by water taxi, 1,500 lunches in restaurants."



Each edition brings a new theme with it, with original costumes and scene designs. The event is organized by Atelier Antonia Sautter, who also designed the costumes worn by guests. Antonia Sautter, Venetian designer and entrepreneur, is known for the creation of historical costumes ranging from the 17th century until the beginning of 1900. In 1994 he created "Il Ballo del Doge", an idea born during the collaboration with Terry Jones, a member of the historic Monty Python crew.

In 1999 he collaborated with Stanley Kubrick for the creation of some of the masks used in the film Eyes Wide Shut. This particular event was also inspired by this movie.

The feature has been made for the last three years.
click to view the complete set of images from 2016/2017 and 2018.

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