Starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Bvlgari presents a documentary about the behind-the-scenes creation of the Roman Maison’s hotel in its hometown
Together with Atomic Production, Bvlgari announces the release of the documentary “An Emperor’s Jewel” featuring a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma . Directed by Andrea Rovetta, the documentary takes the audience on an exclusive journey through the hotel, narrating its history through an imaginary timeline.
Available on Amazon Prime streaming, the film draws parallels between the hotel’s construction and Bvlgari’s jewelry craftsmanship, highlighting Roman heritage, Italian creativity and timeless design. The documentary offers a comprehensive look at how Bvlgari creates hospitality experiences around the world, with meticulous attention to detail and the selection of the finest materials.
Featuring never-before-seen insights , behind-the-scenes footage of the artisans and interviews with visionaries including Roberto Gualtieri — Mayor of Rome, the hotel’s architects Antonio Citterio and Patricia Viel, Jean-Christophe Babin — CEO of Bvlgari, Silvio Ursini — Vice President of Bvlgari and Founder of the Hotel Sector and Niko Romito — Chef Curator of the hotel.
It also shows the different phases of the delicate renovation carried out by Carron Construction Company, which involved more than 300 employees working 7 days a week for more than 3 years. It took more than 50 days of filming to capture the behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmen who bring centuries of knowledge and tradition to the Bvlgari Hotel Roma.
The experts interviewed bear witness to the immense love and passion that goes into their work and genuinely express the joy of “working with their hearts and hands” to create unique pieces with “soul”.
Each artisan portrayed in the film represents the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship, making this hotel a living testament to Italy’s rich heritage and dedication to excellence on a global stage.
To honor the opening of the hotel in its hometown, Bvlgari produced an exceptional piece of High Jewelry, featured in the documentary’s most fascinating images, along with footage of the finished necklace worn by Priyanka Chopra Jonas in the final scenes of the opening party.
The documentary gives special attention to the statue of Augustus seated, an original Roman sculpture from the Torlonia Collection, in Pentelic marble, located in the hotel’s entrance hall. It also shows the charming and careful restoration process, carried out in the Fondazione Torlonia workshop , with the contribution of Bvlgari as part of a long-term collaboration between the Maison and the foundation for the conservation of the most important private collection of ancient art in the world.
In addition to the artisans, the people who work at the hotel are also presented in the film as ‘hospitality craftsmen’, trained to meet the expectations of guests.
The final part of the film features actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Bvlgari ambassador, who is captured as she experiences the hotel as its first guest. Her enthusiasm for the hotel experience and her love for the city of Rome are tangible and represent a special reward for such an extraordinary work.
The film ends with footage of the hotel’s opening party, held on June 8, 2023, attended by the Mayor of Rome and a party for 600 guests and celebrities, including Zendaya and Alessandro Gassmann. Everyone enjoyed the evening dancing on the terraces with stunning views, and admiring a unique drone show that celebrated the hotel and the city of Rome.
“In ‘An Emperor’s Jewel – The Making of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma’, our goal was to capture not only the construction process of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma, but the soul of Italian craftsmanship woven into every detail. It was an honor and a great thrill for me to portray the passion, dedication and creativity of these extraordinary artisans and the profound beauty that emerges when timeless tradition meets modern luxury,” said Andrea Rovetta, director of the film.
“As soon as we learned that a new Bvlgari Hotel was about to open in Rome, we knew that presenting a behind-the-scenes look at such a majestic project was an unmissable opportunity to bring to the screen an incredible example of Italian excellence in craftsmanship, design and hospitality. We thank Bvlgari for giving us exclusive behind-the-scenes access to produce a film, which stands out in the documentary genre, for a special and admirable production work. We are very proud to have finally completed this film which is the result of a two-year journey of pure beauty,” commented Gianluigi Attorre and Caterina Mollica, founders of ATOMIC Production House.
“We are thrilled to share the captivating story behind the creation of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma through ‘An Emperor’s Jewel – The Making of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma’. The film offers a unique insight into the dedication, innovation and creativity that went into making this iconic luxury hotel a reality. The project is a celebration of Italy’s rich cultural heritage, and leaves a lasting mark on the hearts of everyone involved. This film offers audiences a unique insight into Bvlgari’s commitment to unparalleled luxury and sophistication.
Following ‘Inside the Dream’, the first film about Bvlgari, which showcases the making of an extraordinary Serpenti High Jewelry necklace, I am very proud to now see a second film showcasing the creation of another ‘jewel’: the Bvlgari Hotel Roma.” said Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of the Bvlgari Group.