A short film on memory and the beauty of handmade pasta.
Bolognese
In the kitchen of a stone house in the Apennines, Alessandra Spisni rolls out the sfoglia and prepares the ragù. Her voice recalls her grandmother Maria, a farmer, and a knowledge passed down through the hands. The sheet of pasta is ready only when, looking through it, you can see San Luca. From the kitchen, the film opens onto the hills and plains around Bologna. It is dedicated to our grandparents.
The film
The audience response to Bolognese became a peer-reviewed study.
Audience Interpretation of Digital Food Storytelling: Sensory Engagement, Authenticity, and Culinary Place Meaning in the Bolognese Project
Ruggero Pini, Johanna Heinonen-Kemppi (University of Eastern Finland) Gastronomy and Tourism, 2026 – Open Access
The research
The Project
Social Teasers
Made for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube.
Full recipe (12 min)
A meditative edit, guided by gestures.
Short film (4 min)
The festival version, now online.
Credits
Alessandra Spisni
Renowned chef and founder of VSB Bologna, she has appeared on TV shows on BBC, Netflix and RAI.
Ruggero Pini
Filmmaker and producer, with work published on Rolling Stone, WIRED and RedBull.com.
Editing: Barbara Alfonsi · Sound design: Mirko Marcattili · Food stylist: Roberto Bertusi · Location scout: Elisa Olivi · Music: Mirco Menna · Ocarinas: Fabio Galliani · Subtitle translation: Jennifer Trinti
Produced by Food Storytelling in collaboration with VSB Bologna
Press
FilmFreeway's page
Press contact
Ruggero Pini – ruggero@ruggeropini.com
Images, technical sheet, press releases in Italian and English
Il Primo Assaggio
Ogni storia comincia da qualche parte.
Bolognese è il primo assaggio di un’idea più grande:
celebrare la tradizione e la connessione.
Curioso di collaborare?
info@foodstorytelling.net
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, 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 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.
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
Bolognese
A story of tradition, memory, and the art of handmade pasta.