Abstract

The article delves into the life and undertakings of Guelfo Civinini (1873-1954), a prominent figure in Italian, particularly Fascist, colonial propaganda. Civinini, a journalist, prolific author, playwright, and filmmaker, created a body of work that extensively explored Italy’s overseas colonies. Noteworthy are his two expeditions in Eritrea and Ethiopia in 1923-24 and 1926, resulting in films and books that played a significant role in disseminating colonial desires and discourses during the ventennio. Additionally, Civinini orchestrated various events and practices, such as the «Giuliana Civinini» literary prize for colonial novels, contributing to the popularization of imperial narratives. Importantly, Civinini’s transmedial activities extended beyond the chronological boundaries of the Fascist regime, as he persistently propagated a biased memorialization of the colonial past even in post-war Italy. This article, drawing on a diverse array of original sources, investigates the interconnections, adaptations, and transformations across different media platforms. It also reflects on Civinini’s unique positionality in shaping and defining exotic discourses within Italian culture during the first half of the twentieth century.