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Bolognese

A story of tradition, memory, and the art of handmade pasta.

Bolognese is a short documentary exploring Italian culinary heritage through the craft of master pasta-maker Alessandra Spisni. It celebrates food as memory, tradition, and connection.

Project Formats

Close-up of Alessandra Spisni’s hands crafting handmade sfoglia, an Emilia-Romagna tradition.

Short Film (4 min)

A concise, cinematic version capturing the essence of tradition and handmade cooking. Ideal for festivals, online viewing, and special events.

Alessandra Spisni at an Emilia-Romagna farm, connecting local ingredients to culinary traditions.

Alessandra Spisni cooking ragù Bolognese, a classic recipe from Emilia-Romagna cuisine.

Social Teasers

Short, visually impactful clips (15–60 sec), created specifically to engage audiences on social platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

Silent Recipe - 12 min

A slow, meditative experience without narration, emphasizing the beauty and rhythm of artisanal gestures. Perfect for culinary schools, museums, or mindful viewing.

Bolognese is designed for flexible viewing, offering different formats tailored for diverse audiences—from cinematic shorts to social media teasers, and a slow, immersive recipe experience.

The Vision

Experience the beauty of tradition, the rhythms of nature, and the joy of sustainable living in an inspiring and unforgettable journey.

Celebrate Tradition

This is a tribute to the guardians of heritage—the hands that keep the past alive.

Alessandra Spisni making handmade sfoglia, a timeless craft of Emilia-Romagna cuisine

Inspire Exploration

Look beyond Bologna’s bustling streets and find inspiration in the quiet beauty of its countryside.

Discover the essence of farm-to-table living, where every ingredient has a story.

Embrace Sustainability

Alessandra Spisni in the Bolognese countryside, showcasing Emilia-Romagna's culinary heritage

Cows and calves on an Emilia-Romagna farm, representing sustainable and local farming

The Creators

Ruggero Pini, producer and director, is an international storyteller with experience working for brands like Ferrero, PepsiCo, and Slow Food. His passion lies in blending tradition and innovation through food narratives.

Alessandra Spisni in the Bolognese countryside, showcasing the roots of Emilia-Romagna cuisine.

Ruggero Pini creating food storytelling content with an iPhone, blending tradition and innovation

Alessandra Spisni, renowned chef and founder of VSB Bologna, has appeared on global platforms like BBC and Netflix. With over 500,000 recipe books sold, she is a passionate advocate for preserving Bolognese culinary heritage.

The First Bite

Bolognese is the pilot episode of a documentary series celebrating traditional recipes as stories of heritage, memory, and connection.

Each episode explores a single dish and its cultural roots through authentic storytelling and cinematic visuals—designed to captivate modern viewers in short, impactful formats, yet adaptable into longer episodes for streaming or TV.

With Bolognese, you’re savoring more than just a recipe. You’re tasting tradition, craft, and the love that unites generations around the table.