There is no end. There is no beginning. There is only the passion of life. -Frederico Fellini

I wouldn’t be true to myself if I didn’t say that Fellini is one of my favourite film Directors. His work has influenced and inspired many filmmakers, actors, and fashion designers.  I was overwhelmingly excited to hear that TIFF Bell Lightbox was presenting Toronto with a grand collection of Fellini films and a Fellini Exhibit: Spectacular Obsessions.  The exhibit runs from June 30 to September 18 2011, showcasing the influence pop culture and celebrity had in Fellini’s films, but most importantly how Fellini influenced pop culture, reality television, and “the celebrity”.  Through drawings, photographs, original film posters, Fellini’s cartoonist work, interviews an clips from films, we are introduced to the mastermind’s thoughts, inspirations, and influences.  Noah Cowan, the exhibit organizer observes:

This exhibition takes us through the different ways in which the great Italian director made work that continues to inform popular culture today. From the paparazzi to celebrity reality TV, from HBO’s Rome to MTV’s Spring Break, they all owe a debt to Il Maestro Fellini.

Of course, Spectacular Obsession is accompanied by a curated film programme.  If you have never been introduced to Fellini’s work, make sure to check out La Dolce Vita, La Strada, and 8 1/2. TIFF is also holding several Fellini inspired events, such as; La Dolce Vita – Food and Film and Fellini Dream Double Bills. If you are looking to further your Fellini exhibit experience, TIFF is inviting visitors to Tweet their obsession–using the #FelliniTIFF hashtag and attaching an image.  The visitors’ responses appear on the big screen at the Bell Lightbox.

What’s your obsession?