The Prada Foundation is set to unveil an extraordinary exhibition titled “A Kind of Language: Storyboards and Other Renderings for Cinema,” showcasing storyboards and sketches by more than 50 of the world’s most celebrated filmmakers and animators. The exhibition will debut on January 30, 2025, at the Prada Foundation’s Osservatorio space in Milan before making its way to Prada’s Rong Zhai venue in Shanghai in November 2025.

Curated by Melissa Harris, editor-at-large of the Aperture Foundation, the exhibition will feature over 800 meticulously preserved items—including mood boards, drawings, and conceptual sketches—spanning from the late 1920s to 2024. The display aims to offer visitors an immersive journey into the creative processes of legendary directors and animators such as Martin Scorsese, Hayao Miyazaki, Federico Fellini, Steven Spielberg, Wes Anderson, and Alfred Hitchcock.

A Unique Insight Into the Creative Process

The art of storyboarding is an essential yet often overlooked component of filmmaking. It serves as a blueprint for the visual storytelling process, allowing directors to map out sequences, frame shots, and plan the visual flow of a film. According to Harris, the exhibition is designed to replicate the workspace of a storyboard artist, complete with drafting tables and an open layout that invites visitors to step into the meticulous world of cinematic planning.

“For many, storyboarding is an integral part of the process: visually setting a scene and then plotting out its ebbs and flows may help the film team consider relationships between characters, figure out how to advance the narrative, or realize how to convey the essence of a particular segment,” Harris stated. She further emphasized how storyboards help filmmakers troubleshoot challenges and provide actors with visual cues to enhance their performances.

A Star-Studded Lineup of Filmmaking Icons

In addition to the aforementioned names, the exhibition will include works from a diverse and illustrious roster of filmmakers and visual storytellers, such as:

•Pedro Almodóvar – Known for his vivid storytelling and deep emotional narratives.

•Ingmar Bergman – The Swedish master of existential drama and intimate character studies.

•Bernardo Bertolucci – Famed for his epic storytelling and opulent visual style.

•Luis Buñuel – The surrealist visionary who redefined cinema’s artistic boundaries.

•Charlie Chaplin – A pioneer of silent cinema whose visual storytelling remains timeless.

•Sofia Coppola – Celebrated for her distinct aesthetic and atmospheric storytelling.

•Cecil B. DeMille – A pioneer of Hollywood’s golden era, known for his grandiose productions.

•Jonathan Demme – The director behind the iconic The Silence of the Lambs.

•Jean-Luc Godard – A key figure in the French New Wave movement.

•Akira Kurosawa – The Japanese auteur whose influence spans generations.

Prada’s Deep Ties to the Film Industry

Prada’s involvement in cinema is well established, with the brand consistently supporting film projects and collaborating with prominent directors. One of the most notable collaborations is “The Miu Miu Women’s Tales”—a celebrated series of short films directed by women, exploring themes of femininity and identity.

The Prada Foundation itself has evolved into a hub for cultural and artistic exploration. Since its inception in 2015, it has been housed in a repurposed distillery redesigned by the renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. A notable feature within the space is Bar Luce, a stylish café designed by filmmaker Wes Anderson, reflecting his signature nostalgic aesthetic and meticulous attention to detail.

This latest exhibition reaffirms Prada’s commitment to fostering the intersection of art, fashion, and cinema, offering a unique platform to celebrate the craft behind some of the most iconic films in history.

Storyboards: The Unsung Heroes of Cinema

Storyboarding has played a crucial role in the filmmaking process for nearly a century, providing directors with a visual roadmap before cameras start rolling. Walt Disney Studios is often credited with popularizing the storyboard technique in the 1930s, using it extensively in early animated classics such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Legendary directors like Alfred Hitchcock relied heavily on storyboards to meticulously plan every frame of his suspenseful masterpieces, ensuring each shot conveyed the intended mood and tension. Similarly, Martin Scorsese’s elaborate storyboards for films like Goodfellas demonstrate how they serve as a tool to orchestrate complex, kinetic sequences with precision.

A Look at Some Key Pieces in the Exhibition

While details of specific storyboards remain under wraps, attendees can expect to see some iconic works, such as:

•Fellini’s Dreamlike Sketches: Federico Fellini was known for his whimsical and surreal approach to cinema, often sketching out his ideas in elaborate detail before translating them to the screen.

•Miyazaki’s Fantastical Renderings: Hayao Miyazaki’s hand-drawn storyboards capture the enchanting worlds and meticulous detail of Studio Ghibli’s beloved films.

•Spielberg’s Dynamic Shot Composition: Storyboards from films like Jurassic Park and Indiana Jones highlight Spielberg’s talent for creating tension and adventure through visual storytelling.

Culture

Beyond its technical significance, storyboarding is a visual language that conveys ideas and emotions in their rawest form. The exhibition’s title, “A Kind of Language,” underscores how these sketches serve as a universal tool of communication in the filmmaking process.

The exhibition also raises broader discussions about the evolution of storytelling and the increasing reliance on digital tools in modern cinema. While technology has revolutionized pre-visualization, the traditional art of hand-drawn storyboarding remains an irreplaceable aspect of filmmaking artistry.

Looking Ahead to Shanghai

Following its Milan debut, the exhibition will travel to Prada’s Rong Zhai space in Shanghai in November 2025, extending its reach to a global audience eager to explore the art of cinematic storytelling. Shanghai, with its burgeoning film industry and appreciation for visual arts, is the perfect backdrop for this showcase of global cinematic heritage.

“A Kind of Language” is more than just an exhibition; it is a celebration of the visionary artists who have shaped cinema through their meticulous planning and visual storytelling. Whether you’re a cinephile, an aspiring filmmaker, or simply an admirer of art and design, this exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the creative process of some of the most legendary filmmakers in history.

As Prada continues to strengthen its ties to the cinematic world, this exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring power of storyboarding in bringing some of the most iconic films to life.

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