The world of psychoanalysis and film scholarship has lost one of its most eloquent and pioneering voices with the passing of Andrea Sabbadini, at the age of 78. A distinguished fellow of the British Psychoanalytical Society (BPS), Sabbadini was a prolific author, a captivating lecturer, and the visionary founder of a unique movement that explored the deepest dialogues between cinema and the human psyche.
Born in Milan and later forging his career in Britain, Sabbadini’s work was characterised by its intellectual rigour and profound accessibility. He possessed a rare gift for translating the complex theories of psychoanalysis into compelling narratives that resonated with both experts and lay audiences alike. His legacy is indelibly linked to the silver screen, where he found a rich source for exploring unconscious desires, fears, and fantasies.
The Architect of Psychoanalytic Cinema
Sabbadini’s most celebrated contribution was the establishment of the Psychoanalysis and Cinema stream at the European Psychoanalytic Film Festival (EPFF). This initiative transformed the festival into a vital crossroads for filmmakers, scholars, and analysts. He didn't just study film; he curated conversations, chairing countless post-screening discussions that delved into the subconscious layers of cinematic art, asking not just what a film was about, but what it was really about.
A Prolific Literary Legacy
His intellectual curiosity extended far beyond the lecture hall. Sabbadini was a prolific writer and editor, authoring essential texts including:
- Moving Images: Psychoanalytic Reflections on Film
- The Couch and the Silver Screen: Exploring Psychoanalysis and Cinema
- Boundaries and Bridges: Perspectives on Time and Space in Psychoanalysis
He also lent his expertise as a series editor for Routledge’s ‘Psychoanalysis and Popular Culture’, ensuring that scholarly dialogue remained engaged with the broader cultural landscape. For many years, he served as the editor of the International Review of Psychoanalysis, shaping the discourse of his field.
More Than an Analyst
Beyond his academic and clinical work, Sabbadini was a deeply cultured man with a passion for literature, art, and his beloved Italian football. Colleagues and friends remember him not only for his sharp intellect but also for his warmth, generosity, and the subtle, witty humour that characterised his conversations. He was a devoted family man, survived by his wife, two children, and grandchildren, who were a constant source of joy in his life.
Andrea Sabbadini’s passing leaves a void in psychoanalytic and cinematic circles. However, his pioneering spirit endures through the countless analysts he trained, the writers and filmmakers he inspired, and the ongoing work of the EPFF. He taught us to look deeper, beyond the moving images, to the moving psyche they reflect.
