#Erasmusdays: Quo Vadis (1913)

Based around a novel authored by a Polish Nobel Prize winner, Henryk Sienkiewicz, Quo Vadis (1913) was one of the first feature films ever produced and one of the most successful. Its mix of grand scenes of ancient Rome, love, action and amphitheatre delighted audiences at prestige showings and is still amazing today.

It was the first example of an epic formula, which spans the generations, including films like Quo Vadis (1951) and Gladiator (2000). The film deals with many themes spanning the European experience in the 1910s, including Catholicism, empire, anti-Semitism and sacrifice.

Dr Joseph North will introduce the film, and also reflect on the international mobility of the Italian silent film industry. The recorded score was edited by the late Dr David Williams. You will also be able to view a selection of movie promotional items from the 1910s.

This film is showing as part of a Europe-wide series of events, #Erasmusdays, designed to celebrate 30 years of the Erasmus exchange scheme.

Access: There are 8 steps to get into the venue.