From darkness to light in subtitling

This paper focuses on the status of subtitling in Italy, an activity which is often neglected by researchers as well as audiences, notwithstanding its being on the increase thanks to DVD distribution, the proliferation of satellite channels and, more significantly, of film festivals. In referring to Abe Mark Nornes’ advocacy of “abusive subtitling”, this paper wishes to bring the practice of subtitling in Italy out of the darkness, shedding light on some of the most interesting opportunities it offers for the diffusion of otherwise ignored cinematic products as well as for subtitlers’ training and academic research. Drawing inspiration from the experience carried out at the Advanced School for Interpreters and Translators in Forlì, Italy, in the production of subtitles by students involved in an international film festival on human rights, this paper sets out to advocate the power of subtitling in Italy and strive to bring it out of its position of obscurity. Even though its force can still be felt on a limited scale, subtitling can go far in enhancing knowledge of extremely remote cultures and, from an academic perspective, it ought to encourage more systematic, interdisciplinary research while also contributing to students’ individual and professional growth.