An Italian director, his works are characterized by a social outlook on the secret world of crime and corruption in Italy. He was born in Naples, Italy, and studied law before turning to film work. When Rosi started as an assistant director, he collaborated with director Luchino Visconti. Rosi also won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes International Film Festival in 1972 for his film The Mattei Affair. He presented the film Lucky Luciano in 1974, which deals with the life of the Sicilian-born American gangster Salvatore Lucania, and his criminal life in the United States.