Slow food and moving film: ‘Shepherds in the Cave’
Willowbank alumni Theresa Felliceti is a three-time participant in the Fornello Caves Restoration project and will be at the March 21st screening of “Shepherds in the Cave” to talk about her experience.
She was drawn to the project’s approach to cultural landscapes, specifically the deep connection between food, people and past. This mirrored her personal experiences learning to cook with her Nonna, and the revelation of how valuable traditional food — including cultivation and preparation and eating — can be.
“A hands-on, holistic experience, the Fornello Project invites participants to help preserve shepherding culture and the slow food movement in southern Italy through the restoration of an ancient cave site. Historically, the site was home to shepherds and wheels of cheese, and the goal is to open the caves to both once again.
“While I was there we spent time with the shepherds and made cheese with the cheese makers. Our meals were prepared from local ingredients, and our participation in the cooking process was encouraged. Meals and wine were always shared together, making conversation unavoidable and allowing each meal to create a community among participants.
“As a group we travelled around the region to better understand the profound impact food has on Italian culture. We were immersed in the beautifully balanced pace of life that still exists in rural Italy, the heart of which is the creation and preparation of food.
“This inspired a unified passion that drove us in our work on the site.
“Each cave cleared of debris and each stone wall rebuilt became a mark of our contribution to preserving the serenity we experienced in the shepherd’s lifestyle.
“Each archeological discovery and fresco cleaned increased our understanding of the sites importance to the region and development of the culture.”
The Fornello Caves in Puglia is a remarkable heritage site consisting of a Byzantine fresco cave, 12 additional caves, and evidence of a settlement dating back to the third century BC. Set in a remote region, the site faces limited access to the resources and expertise needed for its ongoing conservation.
The Fornello Caves Project brings together local community members, students and professionals to appreciate the cultural heritage of the region and participate in the conservation of the site through research and handson projects. Once restored, the site will sustain local community development, including important cheese-making traditions.
The Italian Field School Fund has been established to support student participation in the Fornello Caves Project. The Fund will provide an extraordinary learning opportunity for our students and foster an exchange of knowledge and cultural perspectives critical to the conservation of this special site.
Willowbank is training the next generation of heritage professionals. Our innovative threeyear diploma program provides training in traditional craft skills, design, and sustainability, while our short courses and field schools extend these learning opportunities for the benefit of our students and the public.
Our educational model is based on a learning-by-doing approach that values cultural diversity and believes heritage has a role to play in creating a sustainable future. Now entering its 11th year, our graduates can be found around the world, making a difference. As a charitable organization, Willowbank relies on modest tuition fees and the generosity of our faculty and donors to finance both the school program and the ongoing stewardship of our National Historic Site. More information on us can be found on our website.
“Shepherds in The Cave”
screens twice at The Film House; Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m. (with post screening Q+A) and Saturday, March 24, at 4 p.m.