Ferrari’s Lost Driver Screening a Roaring Success

Southampton, Hampshire Jul 22, 2024 (Issuewire.com)  - July 17th, 2024, saw the Director’s Screening of ‘Ferrari’s Lost Driver, The Alfonso De Portago Story’ take place at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu. Hosted by Film Director Charlotte Fantelli and attended by Motorsport Presenter, Journalist, and Star of the Film, Will Buxton, the event was a memorable evening for all attendees.

The National Motor Museum provided the perfect backdrop to this jaw-dropping feature documentary, which tells the life of Alfonso De Portago, the driver in the tragedy of the 1957 Mille Miglia. The tragic event claimed the lives of De Portago, his co-pilot Edmund Nelson, and nine spectators, five of whom were children.

Despite the tragic ending to the story, the feature was a great hit with the audience, and the revelations about the Spanish aristocrat’s celebrity lifestyle were captivating, intriguing, and revealing of both the man and the era.

The film follows the true story behind Enzo Ferrari’s ‘Darkest Hour,’ the main storyline of Michael Mann’s ‘Ferrari’ film. While Enzo Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of success is all too clear, the film equally ensures a balanced and almost journalistic dive into the realities behind the tragedy.

Alfonso De Portago, ‘Fon,’ is obviously an intriguing and somewhat divisive character. A womaniser, a privileged and entitled aristocrat, and at times reckless in his risk-taking, what seems clear from the movie is that Mann’s Hollywood portrayal of events may not be strictly accurate, but rather a dramatised interpretation of real events.

'Will Buxton truly shone as the star of the show, bringing depth and authenticity to his journey of discovery into De Portago. His presenting performance, combined with Charlotte Fantelli’s expert direction, created a gripping and emotional narrative that left the audience both moved and reflective.' Said John Farringdon, guest of the evening. 

Another highlight among guests was the 'incredible' soundtrack, which was scored largely by Raffaele Fantelli, with star performances and compositions by David Rosenthal, Musical Director for Billy Joel, and tracks from Aidan Polemeni and James Fox. 

Following the screening, a Q&A session was held, where attendees had the opportunity to engage with Fantelli and Buxton. Questions ranged from the challenges of portraying such a complex historical figure with accuracy and integrity to the insights gained during the filmmaking process. The interaction provided a deeper understanding of the film’s meticulous research and dedication to authenticity.

‘Ferrari’s Lost Driver’ is not just a film about a racing legend but a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the glamour and danger of motorsport. It sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of De Portago’s life and offers a nuanced perspective on the impact of his tragic end.

The screening at the National Motor Museum Beaulieu marks the beginning of what promises to be a successful journey for ‘Ferrari’s Lost Driver’ as it heads to film festivals, channels, and wider audiences. The film is set to spark conversations and reflections on the legacy of Alfonso De Portago and the world of motorsport during a bygone era.

For more information, interviews, or high-resolution images, please contact:

Sarah Holden

Sarah@brandedstudios.co.uk

Media Contact

Branded Studios sarah@brandedstudios.co.uk http://www.brandedstudios.co.uk