On Saturday, May 30th at 9:00 PM, the A. Betti Municipal Library in Bagni di Lucca will host the national premiere of the documentary "Evangeline and Rose," dedicated to the story of the two famous benefactors.

Evangeline and Rose: the documentary

on the history of benefactresses

of Bagni di Lucca

On Saturday, May 30, at 9:00 PM, the A. Betti Municipal Library in Bagni di Lucca will host the national premiere of the documentary film "Evangeline and Rose." Directed by Patrizia Lazzari and Mariana Giurlani, the film pays homage to two female figures of great historical significance.

A story of philanthropy and love

The project was born from an idea by Enrica Benedetti and draws inspiration from the book "Mia preziose e adorata," which collects the letters between Rose Cleveland—sister of former US President Grover Cleveland—and Evangeline Simpson Whipple. During the Spanish flu epidemic, the two women distinguished themselves in Bagni di Lucca for their significant philanthropic work on behalf of the local population.

Production and historical analysis

The film, shot in 2025, combines performances by actresses Michela Totino, Silvana Rossomando, and Rosella Petrucci with a series of contributions from experts and scholars. Among the contributions reconstructing the historical context of the era are those by Professor Marcello Cherubini, Tilly Laskey, and many other experts who conducted the historical research.

The event is promoted by the Città delle Donne Association of Lucca, the Banca del Monte di Lucca Foundation, the Municipality of Bagni di Lucca, and the Michel de Montaigne Foundation.

If you'd like to discover a touching and untold chapter in Bagni di Lucca's local history, don't miss this screening: it's the perfect opportunity to learn about the human legacy of two extraordinary women, told with cinematic sensitivity by directors Lazzari and Giurlani. 🎞️✨