Finally Dawn (Italian: Finalmente l’alba) is a 2023 Italian period drama written and directed by Saverio Costanzo. Set in the 1950s, the film tells the story of Mimosa (played by Rebecca Antonaci), a young Roman woman on the cusp of engagement, who visits Cinecittà Studios for an audition as an extra. What begins as a simple evening turns into a long, transformative night as Mimosa navigates a surreal journey into the heart of Rome’s vibrant and sometimes chaotic film industry.
Some big names are in the cast: Lily James plays Hollywood star Josephine Esperanto, Willem Dafoe plays director Rufus Priori, Joe Keery plays actor Sean Lockwood, Rachel Sennott plays Nan Roth, Enzo Casertano plays Rinaldo, and Michele Bravi plays a singer in transit.
WHERE WAS FINALLY DAWN FILMED?
The filming for Finally Dawn began on August 29, 2022, and ended on October 15, 2022, after eight weeks. The movie was shot fully in Italy, with most of the work taking place in Rome, where studios and some of the city’s most famous historic sites were used. These locations were picked by director Saverio Costanzo to show both how close Mimosa’s change was and how grand Rome was in the 1950s.
CINECITTÀ STUDIOS – ROME, ITALY
A significant portion of the film was shot at the legendary Cinecittà Studios, located on the outskirts of Rome. Often referred to as the “Hollywood on the Tiber,” Cinecittà has long been the heart of the Italian film industry. Built in 1937, it spans over 400,000 square meters and has hosted productions ranging from Fellini classics to modern TV shows.
Cinecittà is both a real and a symbolic doorway into another world in Finally Dawn. This is where Mimosa’s trip into the glamorous world of movies starts—combining the drama of backstage with the illusion of big movie productions. Scenes that take place on the set of a made-up ancient Egyptian epic being filmed at the studio show the idea of a film within a film. These scenes bring together people from around the world who have an effect on Mimosa’s night.
PIAZZA DI SPAGNA (SPANISH STEPS), ROME
Another prominent location is the Piazza di Spagna, home to the famous Spanish Steps, one of the most visited and photographed landmarks in Rome. According to Costanzo, filming here took place early in the morning, just before dawn, aligning poetically with the film’s title. The director emphasized the importance of capturing the quiet stillness of this bustling area, free of crowds and tourists.
Costanzo explained, “We shot scenes in Piazza di Spagna, going there early in the morning to shoot… working there for two hours at dawn each day.” This let the filmmakers show how grand Rome is while still keeping a personal, dreamlike feel that reflects Mimosa’s feelings and mental state throughout the movie.
VILLA DEI QUINTILI – ROME’S ANCIENT OUTSKIRTS
The movie was also filmed at the house dei Quintili, an old Roman house on the outskirts of Rome that can be found on the Appian Way. This ancient site, which is full of history and natural beauty, made a beautiful background that stands in contrast to the modern chaos of the movie studio and Rome’s streets. The ruins add a timeless quality to the movie’s visual language by connecting Mimosa’s night of change with the city’s long history.
OTHER ROME LOCATIONS
Though Finally Dawn takes place over a single night, it captures Rome’s essence through selective location choices. Costanzo emphasized that although viewers don’t see much of the city, “it’s a deeply Roman film. The faces, the language they use, the old Roman accent.” Various street-level shots in the city center were used to highlight the authentic atmosphere of 1950s Rome, from cobbled streets to dimly lit alleyways and neon-lit cafes.
OFFICIAL TRAILER
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