Italian film director and screenwriter Tinto Brass passed away on November 4, 2026, in Rome at the age of 93. This was reported by the Italian news agency ANSA, citing a statement from the director's family. Brass entered world cinema history as one of the most prominent creators of intellectual erotic cinema, having directed over 30 films, including 'Caligula', 'Salon Kitty', and 'The Key'.

Family Confirmation and Funeral Plans

The news of his death was confirmed by the director's wife, Caterina Varzi, as well as his children, Bonifacio and Beatrice Brass. According to RIA Novosti, the family plans to hold a private funeral in a tight circle without broad publicity. According to ANSA reports, Brass passed away on Wednesday morning at approximately 10:30 in Rome.

From Lawyer to Filmmaker

The director's real name is Giovanni Brass. He was born on March 26, 1933, in Milan. After receiving a law degree, he moved to Paris in 1957, where he collaborated with the French Cinematheque. His directorial debut took place in 1963; his early works were associated with avant-garde, satire, comedies, and political cinema. Over time, Brass focused on the erotic genre, ultimately establishing himself as an auteur who created his own recognizable style.

Erotica and Scandals: The 'Caligula' Case

Among Brass's best-known works are 'Salon Kitty' (1976), 'Caligula' (1979), 'The Key' (1983), 'Miranda' (1985), 'Paprika' (1991), 'All Ladies Do It' (1992), and 'The Voyeur' (1994). A special place is held by 'Caligula', a provocative film about the life and vices of Ancient Rome that faced censorship cuts and bans. Producer Bob Guccione re-edited the picture and added explicit scenes without the director's knowledge, causing Brass to refuse to acknowledge the final version of the film as his own.

Recognition in 2026

Brass's work was honored in September 2026 at the Venice Film Festival: before the official opening, a 4K-restored version of his 1967 film 'Col cuore in gola' was screened. In the same year, the director became a laureate of the Pietro Bianchi Award, presented by the National Union of Italian Film Journalists.

Final Years

In April 2010, Brass suffered a severe stroke, after which he stopped directing films; his last feature was a 2009 work. Nevertheless, the director occasionally continued to appear in public and in films as an actor, remaining a prominent figure in Italian cinema until the end of his life.