Federico Fellini’s La Strada is a poignant Italian drama that tells the story of Gelsomina (Fellini muse Giulietta Masina), a simple and naive young who is sold by her impoverished mother to a brutish traveling strongman named Zampanò (Anthony Quinn). Zampanò forces Gelsomina to assist him in his street performances, and despite his abusive nature, she remains loyal to him. Their lives take a turn however when they join a traveling circus and meet Il Matto (Richard Basehart), a gentle and free-spirited tightrope walker.

Fellini’s masterful storytelling, combined with Nino Rota’s evocative score, creates a deeply emotional and humanistic film that explores themes of love, loneliness, and redemption. La Strada was acclaimed by critics and audiences worldwide, earning numerous accolades and solidifying Fellini’s reputation as a visionary filmmaker. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Silver Lion at the Venice Film Festival. Giulietta Masina’s performance as Gelsomina is particularly celebrated for its depth and sensitivity, earning her widespread recognition.

Restored by Janus Films in celebration of its 70th Anniversary, La Strada is often regarded as one of Fellini’s greatest works and a landmark in Italian cinema, beloved for its touching narrative and its exploration of the human condition.