Isabella Rossellini, daughter of the legendary filmmakers Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman, has lived a life in which her greatest respect for animals feeds her greatest creative expression. Creativity and compassion— this is where she truly thrives. Today, she resides on a small farm in Long Island, NY. There, she educates and rehabilitates guide dogs, and establishes a refuge to care for hundreds of exotic, native, and domestic animals. With a postgraduate degree in ethology, Rossellini’s connection to her work reflects her deep understanding of animal behavior and welfare.
As a child, Rossellini was growing up in a difficult family situation. Her father, Roberto, and mother, Ingrid, had a violent relationship that unfolded publicly. This marriage, fraught with jealousy and scandal, was one of the great tabloid scandals of the mid-20th century. Isabella underscores the “unwavering presence” of her father throughout her upbringing. She recalls the experience of being housed in a different apartment. Her parents were able to pursue their careers while a babysitter and housekeeper kept her stable.
Isabella’s first real introduction to her father’s films happened a little later than you’d think. It would take until the age of 16, when on the sly she went to a Roberto Rossellini retrospective in Rome. Through her artistic practice, she was able to intimately connect with her father’s artistic legacy — this experience became a powerful exploration and journey for her.
“I remember saying this is what I would do when I grew up,” – Isabella Rossellini
Her father was the director of many famed films like “Stromboli” and “Journey to Italy,” both starring Ingrid Bergman, her father’s real-life muse. Isabella is especially fond of “Journey to Italy,” noting its emotional rawness.
“One of the most moving scenes for me is when my mother goes to Pompeii like a tourist, but then, when she sees the ancient couple buried in the volcano ashes she bursts into tears because she sees love and she sees death,” – Isabella Rossellini
Isabella adds that Roberto’s work offered a fresh, complex depiction of relationships.
“It was a modern and more complicated way to show a married couple with this cruelty that isn’t overt,” – Isabella Rossellini
Sadly, Roberto Rossellini died from a heart attack just a few hours later, in 1977 at the age of 71. His death, while tragic, ensured a rich legacy and had a lasting effect on his daughter’s life. At only 25 years old, this loss was compounded for Isabella by the tragic death of a beloved mentor. This individual had deeply influenced her life and conception of art.
Beyond her analysis of her father’s films, Isabella takes readers beyond the screen and into his personal journey as well. During his solo trip to India in 1956, he penned colorful letters to his daughters that reveal his introspective nature.
“And then my father came to mind, and his advice: ‘If you follow your curiosity, you always find joy,’” – Isabella Rossellini
Roberto’s perspective on the role of cinema changed over the course of his career. At one point, he expressed disillusionment with the industry, stating:
“Cinema as it is now no longer interests me.” – Roberto Rossellini
Isabella knows the immigrant struggle well, and considering her parents non-traditional domestic setup. Ingrid Bergman experienced a meteoric fall from grace as the result of Roberto’s infidelity, cast into professional and social exile. A tabloid writer once remarked that their relationship “had perpetrated an assault upon the institution of marriage.”
Isabella still treasures, Sofia loves most the lessons taught by both mom and dad. She shares how their example taught their children to be resilient and creative.
“I met a gentleman known as the Dalai Lama,” Roberto wrote in one letter during his travels, hinting at his wide-ranging interests that extended beyond filmmaking.
Alongside Isabella’s reflections on family and film, Isabella shares a personal connection to animals. Her golden retriever named Rosie often makes appearances during video calls, embodying the joyful life she has created on her farm.
Today, Rossellini is passionate about training guide dogs. This commitment is an inspiring reflection of her dedication to animal welfare and her quest to inspire and empower others. The work she does is a fulfilling calling, and it intersects perfectly with her educational background in ethology.