# Pier Paolo Pasolini

> Italian writer, filmmaker, poet, and intellectual (1922–1975)

**Wikidata**: [Q25120](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q25120)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pier_Paolo_Pasolini)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pier-paolo-pasolini

## Summary
Pier Paolo Pasolini was an Italian writer, filmmaker, poet, and intellectual (1922–1975), best known for his contributions to Italian neorealism, political activism, and avant-garde cinema. He directed influential films like *The Gospel According to St. Matthew* (1964) and *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom* (1975), and wrote novels such as *The Hawks and the Sparrows* (1955). His work explored themes of social justice, political radicalism, and humanism, making him a key figure in 20th-century Italian culture.

## Biography
- Born: March 5, 1922, in Bologna, Italy
- Nationality: Italian
- Education: Studied at the University of Bologna
- Known for: Pioneering Italian neorealism, political activism, and avant-garde filmmaking
- Employer(s): University of Bologna (affiliated with)
- Field(s): Literature, film direction, poetry, journalism, activism

## Contributions
- Directed *The Gospel According to St. Matthew* (1964), a landmark film in Italian neorealism, which won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
- Created *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom* (1975), an experimental film exploring political and sexual themes, which was controversial upon release.
- Wrote *The Hawks and the Sparrows* (1955), a novel that critiques Italian society and the Catholic Church.
- Produced *Teorema* (1968), a film that blends documentary and fiction to critique Italian politics and media.
- Published poetry and essays that critiqued fascism, capitalism, and religious dogma, contributing to Italian intellectual discourse.
- Advocated for political radicalism and social justice, aligning with leftist movements and anti-fascist causes.

## FAQs
**What was Pier Paolo Pasolini's most famous film?**
Pier Paolo Pasolini's most famous film is *The Gospel According to St. Matthew* (1964), which won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival and is considered a masterpiece of Italian neorealism.

**What themes did Pier Paolo Pasolini explore in his work?**
Pier Paolo Pasolini explored themes of social justice, political radicalism, humanism, and the critique of religious and political institutions in his films, novels, and poetry.

**What was Pier Paolo Pasolini's political stance?**
Pier Paolo Pasolini was a political activist who aligned with leftist movements and anti-fascist causes, advocating for social justice and radical change.

**What awards did Pier Paolo Pasolini receive?**
Pier Paolo Pasolini received awards such as the Viareggio Prize, the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

**What was Pier Paolo Pasolini's educational background?**
Pier Paolo Pasolini studied at the University of Bologna, where he was affiliated with during his academic career.

## Why They Matter
Pier Paolo Pasolini's work had a profound impact on Italian cinema, literature, and political discourse. His films and writings challenged traditional narratives, critiquing religious dogma, political corruption, and social inequality. As a key figure in Italian neorealism, he influenced generations of filmmakers and writers, shaping the country's cultural and intellectual landscape. His activism and radical views made him a polarizing but influential voice in 20th-century Italy, ensuring his legacy as a pioneer of avant-garde and politically engaged art.

## Notable For
- Pioneering Italian neorealism with films like *The Gospel According to St. Matthew* (1964).
- Directing *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom* (1975), a controversial experimental film.
- Writing *The Hawks and the Sparrows* (1955), a novel critiquing Italian society and the Catholic Church.
- Receiving the Viareggio Prize, the Golden Bear, and the Best Screenplay Award at Cannes.
- Advocating for political radicalism and social justice, aligning with leftist movements.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Pier Paolo Pasolini was born on March 5, 1922, in Bologna, Italy. He studied at the University of Bologna, where he was affiliated with during his academic career. His early education laid the foundation for his intellectual and artistic development, shaping his future contributions to literature, film, and activism.

### Career and Film Direction
Pasolini's career as a filmmaker began in the 1950s, with his work in Italian neorealism. He directed *The Gospel According to St. Matthew* (1964), which won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival and is considered a landmark in Italian cinema. His film *Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom* (1975) was controversial upon release but is now recognized as an experimental masterpiece. Pasolini's films often explored political and social themes, critiquing religious and political institutions.

### Literary Contributions
Pasolini was a prolific writer, publishing novels such as *The Hawks and the Sparrows* (1955) and poetry collections that critiqued fascism, capitalism, and religious dogma. His literary works contributed to Italian intellectual discourse and challenged traditional narratives. His essays and critiques were widely read and influential in shaping the country's cultural and political landscape.

### Political Activism
As a political activist, Pasolini aligned with leftist movements and anti-fascist causes. He advocated for social justice and radical change, using his art to critique political corruption and social inequality. His activism made him a polarizing but influential voice in 20th-century Italy, ensuring his legacy as a pioneer of politically engaged art.

### Awards and Recognition
Pasolini received numerous awards for his contributions to film and literature, including the Viareggio Prize, the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival, and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival. His work was recognized for its innovative approach and critical engagement with political and social issues.

### Influence and Legacy
Pier Paolo Pasolini's influence extends beyond his lifetime, shaping Italian cinema, literature, and political discourse. His films and writings continue to be studied and celebrated for their innovative approach and critical engagement with political and social issues. His legacy as a pioneer of avant-garde and politically engaged art ensures his place as a key figure in 20th-century Italian culture.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Archivio Storico Ricordi
4. BnF authorities
5. BeWeB
6. [Source](https://glreview.org/article/the-accidental-activist-pasolinis-italy/)
7. Czech National Authority Database
8. The Fine Art Archive
9. [HOLLIS](https://id.lib.harvard.edu/alma/99156450743803941/catalog)
10. www.acmi.net.au
11. Find a Grave
12. [Source](https://en.kinorium.com/name/1595/awards/)
13. filmportal.de
14. Virtual International Authority File
15. Bibliothèque nationale de France
16. CiNii Research
17. OPAC SBN
18. MusicBrainz
19. Pier Paolo Pasolini. RKDartists
20. Benezit Dictionary of Artists
21. SNAC
22. Enciclopédia Itaú Cultural
23. Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani
24. Discogs
25. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
26. BD Gest'
27. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
28. Le Delarge
29. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
30. Croatian Encyclopedia
31. Munzinger Personen
32. Vegetti Catalog of Fantastic Literature
33. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
34. [Source](https://theaterencyclopedie.nl/wiki/index.php?curid=4970)
35. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/sound/pasolini.html)
36. [Source](http://www.ubu.com/film/pasolini.html)
37. CONOR.SI
38. Autoritats UB
39. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
40. [ADAGP directory](https://www.adagp.fr/fr/mysearch/rp_rights?keyword=Pier+Paolo+Pasolini)
41. Enciclopedia Treccani
42. The Movie Database
43. LIBRIS. 2018
44. DACS register
45. ADAGP directory
46. CC 6
47. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
48. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
49. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
50. [Source](https://library.nga.gov/permalink/01NGA_INST/1cl1g8d/alma991174053504896)