Cesare Zavattini

Cesare Zavattini (1902–1989) was an Italian screenwriter, novelist, and journalist, widely associated with the development of Italian neorealism. Born in Luzzara, he began his career in publishing and writing before moving into cinema. Zavattini became best known for his long collaboration with director Vittorio De Sica, co-writing landmark films such as *Bicycle Thieves* (1948) and *Umberto D.* (1952). His work helped shape a style focused on everyday life, nonprofessional actors, and social realities in postwar Italy. Alongside screenwriting, he published fiction and remained an influential voice in debates about cinema’s purpose and methods.