Toward the end of 1958, Federico Fellini found himself facing unexpected career roadblocks. He had already won two Academy Awards, for “La Strada” and “Le Notti di Cabiria,” but no producer wanted to make his newest project: a story with the title “La Dolce Vita.”

Only one person, Giuseppe Amato, who had produced several Italian films, understood the extraordinary nature of the subject, realizing the script in his hands contained a masterpiece. Through unpublished documents and a passionate reconstruction, this documentary tells for the first time the story of the genesis, predicted disaster, and ultimate legendary success of one of the most famous movies in the history of cinema.