I studied anthropology and art history, as I have always been captivated by living traditions.

- Cosima Spender

I grew up in Siena and was surrounded by the Palio, and all my friends at school were obsessed with it. But since my parents are English, I was never…

- Cosima Spender

The Palio is shrouded in mystery and secrecy, and the players can't discuss their devious schemes.

- Cosima Spender

If something I make succeeds, people say it was luck. But I don't just throw myself into the unknown. I research my subjects and listen constantly to…

- Cosima Spender

Documentaries are unpredictable. You never know what will turn up, and the drama occurs in real time. But if you listen to people, a narrative always…

- Cosima Spender

Paradoxically, in the field being a woman actually helps you: people often feel more comfortable talking to women, which is key in documentaries.

- Cosima Spender

I would like people to feel that they've understood something more about Siena than the usual Palio as seen by tourists. It is full of beauty, romanc…

- Cosima Spender