Natural Resistance

Natural Resistance is a captivating and insightful documentary film made in 2014 touching the realm of Italy's natural wine movement. Directed by the critically acclaimed filmmaker, Jonathan Nossiter, the movie brings out a fresh, fascinating perspective of wine-making that will not just resonate with wine enthusiasts but also those new to the sphere. It features prominent figures in the natural wine movement such as Stefano Bellotti, Elena Pantaleoni, and Giovanna Tiezzi who are known for their unyielding commitment towards organic and biodynamic agriculture, reducing human intervention to the minimum, and focusing on preserving biodiversity in their vineyards.

At the offset, the movie transcends the common aesthetics of the genre to emerge as an authentic discourse around the world of natural wine. Nossiter, who is also known for his seminal work on "Mondovino" in 2004, alluringly captures the philosophy and lifestyle, the hardships and joys of independent winemakers in Italy. These are not commercial giants but focused artisans who swear by the magic of nature and viniculture practices that respects the earth.

This discerning film focuses on four Italian vineyard proprietors; Stefano Bellotti of Cascina degli Ulivi in Piedmont, Giovanna Tiezzi and Stefano Borsa of Pian dell’Orino in Tuscany, Corrado Dottori of La Distesa in Marche, and Elena Pantaleoni of the La Stoppa winery in Emilia. These people are not only vintners but also musicians, writers, philosophers, passionate about their ancestral roots, land, and the environment.

Stefano Bellotti, standing as a stalwart of biodynamic farming in Piedmont since the 1980s, eloquently speaks about his philosophies and practice. He emphasises on the interdependence of all life forms and how it reinvents the way we perceive wine. Elena Pantaleoni brings forth the strength and perseverance required to handle a vineyard inherited at a young age. Locking strides with her is Corrado Dottori, a third-generation winemaker who opted out of his family's conventional farming methods to focus on natural wine.

Arguably one of the most absorbing sequences in the film is Giovanna Tiezzi and Stefano Borsa discussing the Etruscan roots of their winemaking while gallantly defending their practices against EU vineyard regulation. For all these protagonists, the film is a testament to their indomitable spirit and serves as a chance to throw light on their respect and understanding of nature.

Natural Resistance is shot with minimalistic and low-tech equipment which adds to its raw and rustic charm. The cinematography is beautiful and remains grounded in realism, portraying the lush Italian countryside and vineyards in all their natural grandeur. The director also tactfully incorporates scenes depicting the everyday life of these winemakers, harmoniously blending reality into the bigger narrative. Instead of corporate cellars, we find rustic farmhouses set against the backdrop of a breathtaking Italian rural setting. Mundane dialogues transform into profound philosophical musings about history, culture, and the active role that individuals can play in preserving and fostering them.

Furthermore, Natural Resistance examines the complexities of the commercial wine industry. It provides a sobering critique of the industry trends favouriting mass production and standardisation over individuality and character. The Italian wine bureaucracy features prominently in the film as it drifts into discussions about the challenges faced by these winemakers in staying true to their convictions while wrestling against extreme bureaucratic obstacles imposed upon them, stifling their natural expressions of wine.

The charm of this film lies in its authenticity as it doesn’t shy away from showing the viewers the harsh realities that co-exist with the beauty of traditional winemaking. Nossiter's filmmaking is driven less by narrative structure and more by the enthusiasm and ardour of these winemakers. The result is a series of endearing, intimate, and enlightening snapshots of their lives, giving us a fascinating insight into their world.

In conclusion, Natural Resistance is a must-watch for everyone, especially those drawn to the world of organic and biodynamic wine production. It is a homage to those artistic vintners who defy modern-day commercial tactics and bureaucracy, sustainably transforming a humble grape into an extraordinary elixir. It is a post-modern dialogues-laden poetry, invoking the viewer's natural resistance to fall in line with mass-produced homogeneity, nudging them to explore the hidden lanes of originality, authenticity, and tradition.