Pupi Avati

Lore & Background

Pupi Avati's name occasionally surfaces in jazz contexts due to a persistent internet myth that he was a jazz trumpeter or bandleader in the 1960s. This confusion likely stems from misattributions in early music databases or from the existence of other Italian musicians with similar surnames. In reality, Avati studied law and began his film career in the late 1960s, directing his first feature 'Balsamus, l'uomo di Satana' in 1968. His filmography includes several cult horror films that gained international recognition, but no jazz discography exists under his name.

Avati's work as a screenwriter includes collaborations with other Italian directors, but his involvement in the script for Pier Paolo Pasolini's 'Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma' (1975) is a documented error. Avati has publicly denied any participation in that film, and authoritative film histories—including Pasolini's own production records—confirm no such collaboration. The myth likely arose from a misreading of credits or a hoax perpetuated online.

Despite the lack of jazz credentials, Avati's name remains a curiosity in music trivia circles. Some fans of Italian cinema have humorously speculated that his surname's similarity to 'Amati' (the famous violin-making family) might have contributed to the confusion. However, no evidence links Avati to any musical performance, composition, or recording.

Reader's Guide

Pupi Avati's significance lies in his versatility as a filmmaker and his contributions to Italian horror cinema, particularly through The House with Laughing Windows and Zeder, which are considered his masterpieces. His career spans nearly forty films and television works, encompassing genres from horror to jazz comedies and period pieces. Avati's work often reflects his passion for music and his love for his hometown, Bologna, which served as the setting for many of his films. The TV series Jazz Band (1978) marked a shift toward more personal, autobiographical storytelling. He has been nominated for the Golden Palm, Silver Ribbons, and David di Donatello Awards, winning two David di Donatello Awards and five Silver Ribbons. Avati was nominated Commendatore Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana on 2 June 1995 and has presided over the Federico Fellini Foundation since 1995. His autobiography, Sotto le stelle di un film, was published in 2008, and he has also authored novels including Il ragazzo in soffitta (2015), Il signor diavolo (2018), and L'archivio del diavolo (2020).

Did You Know?

• Pupi Avati has never performed or recorded as a jazz musician, despite frequent misattributions in online databases.
• No verifiable Italian jazz guitarist named Pupi Avati exists in established discographies or biographies, so the myth likely stems from a different source.
• Avati's denial of involvement in the script for 'Salò o le 120 giornate di Sodoma' is supported by film historians and Pasolini's production archives.
• Avati's film 'The House with Laughing Windows' (1976) is often cited as a cult classic, but it did not win the David di Donatello Award for Best Screenplay.